Writing a simple household emergency plan

A plan on one sheet of paper beats a perfect plan you never finish. Be Ready asks households to be ready for 3 days; a written plan helps everyone know what to do.

Put on the page

1. Household names and any medical needs or medicines.
2. Phone numbers on paper: family, work, school, GP, vet, insurer, out-of-area contact.
3. Meet points: one near home (e.g. a neighbour's) and one further away if you cannot return.
4. Who collects children from school or childcare if you cannot.
5. Pets: carriers, leads, spare food, microchip numbers (pets guide).
6. Where the grab bag lives and what is in it (grab bag).
7. How to turn off gas, electricity and water — and who knows how.
8. Key official numbers: 999 / 112, 105 (power), NHS 111, Floodline 0345 988 1188, gas 0800 111 999.

Practise

• Walk the meet points once.
• Check the grab bag every six months (Be Ready checklist habit).
• Use OrCore Prep's emergency plan tool and weekly drill.

Keep a copy in the grab bag and on the fridge. Update it when people, schools or numbers change.