This page contains advice from
Suffolk Resilience (new window) on what to do
should a major emergency occur in the
district.
Suffolk Resilience is responsible for planning the multi-agency
(such as the emergency services, the NHS, local councils, etc)
response to major emergencies.
What is likely to cause a major emergency?
The most likely causes of major emergencies are:
- Natural disasters, such as storms and flooding.
- Major transport accidents.
- Environmental pollution, such as toxic gas or a radioactive
cloud.
- Acts of terrorism.
What should I do?
- If you are a witness, dial 999 and alert the
police, fire or ambulance services.
- If you are in a building that is on fire - get out
and stay out.
- If you are stranded in your home, tune in to your local radio
station and television for advice (listen out for emergency
telephone numbers).
- Pass on any warnings to neighbours, and check on the elderly
and disabled, if it is safe to do so.
- Limit your telephone calls - this helps to prevent the lines
getting clogged up with unnecessary calls, and allows the emergency
services and others to use the lines if necessary.
Go in, stay in and tune in
In the majority of major incidents you will be advised to
shelter (go in), remain there until further
advised by the emergency services (stay in), and
listen to local radio stations for more information (tune
in).
Go indoors - close doors and windows and shut
down ventilation systems if it is safe to do so. Unless there is an
obvious risk to the property this will give you good short-term
protection against the vast majority of hazards.
Stay indoors - until you know more about the
situation and the appropriate action you need to take to protect
yourself further. The action you should take will be different
depending on the nature of the incident, so you could put yourself
at more risk by not waiting for further instructions.
Tune in - to local radio and television to find
out more about what is happening:
If I am alerted by the police what can I expect?
You may be asked to stay indoors and close outside doors and
windows.
If the police ask you to leave your home:
- Please follow their instructions - their prime responsibility
is your safety and they will know more than you about the level of
danger.
- They will probably ask you to go to a rest centre - if you
decide to go anywhere else, let them know so you can be accounted
for.
- If there is time, take warm clothing, special food for babies
and any medicines you may need.
- Before you leave, switch off gas and electrical appliances, and
put out coal burning fires.
General preparations
You may find it useful to keep the following items in an
'emergency box' in your home in case of emergencies:
- Torch and batteries - remember to check the batteries every now
and then!
- Candles and matches in a safe container.
- Portable radio and batteries.
- Something to drink - cans of drink, bottled water, etc.
- Notebook, pens and pencils.
- Something to occupy the children!
Make sure medicines, toiletries, spare contact lenses, etc. are
easily available to put in the box when necessary.
The Government's booklet 'Preparing for emergencies' is
available online in English and other languages
from the Directgov website (new window) along with
further information for individuals, voluntary and community
groups and businesses.
Further advice from Suffolk Resilience