UK emergency numbers and warnings

Where to check for official warnings and who to call in the UK. These are links to the official services: OrCore Prep does not show live warnings itself, so always check the source. Save the numbers in your phone and write them in your household plan.

In England, use our flood warning check to see Environment Agency warnings near a postcode. For what to do before, during and after, read the flooding, storm, heatwave, cold weather and water supply cut guides.

In an emergency where life is at risk, call 999. 112 also works in the UK and reaches the same services (GOV.UK: 999 and 112). If you call 999 from a mobile and cannot speak, try to whisper, cough or tap the keys to answer questions; if you cannot, press 55 when prompted and your call will be transferred to the police (police.uk: silent 999 calls).

Power cuts

Call 105 in England, Scotland and Wales to report or get updates on a power cut. It is free and puts you through to your local network operator (Power Cut 105).
Northern Ireland: NIE Networks on 03457 643 643 and its power cut page.
If someone in your home needs extra help, for example because they rely on medical equipment, check if you can join the free Priority Services Register. Be Ready says lots of households are eligible, including those with children under 5.
Plan for a long cut with our power station calculator and power cut kit guide.

Flooding

England: check for flooding (current warnings, river and sea levels and the 5-day flood risk), and sign up for free flood warnings by phone, text or email.
Wales: Natural Resources Wales flood warnings.
Scotland: SEPA flooding (flood updates and Floodline sign-up).
Northern Ireland: nidirect flooding advice.
Floodline (England, Wales, Scotland): 0345 988 1188 (GOV.UK, Natural Resources Wales).
Never walk or drive through flood water. Just 30 cm of moving water can float a car (Environment Agency).

Severe weather

Met Office weather warnings for rain, wind, snow, ice, fog, thunderstorms and extreme heat.
What the colours mean (Met Office): Yellow: read the warning to see how it could affect you. Amber: an increased likelihood of impacts, such as travel delays, road and rail closures and power cuts. Red: dangerous weather is expected; take action now to keep yourself and others safe.
Listen to local radio for updates in a power cut. Write your local station and its frequency in your plan.

Emergency Alerts on your phone

The UK government can send an Emergency Alert to mobile phones in an area where there is a danger to life, such as severe flooding. Your phone may make a loud siren-like sound even if it is set on silent.
When you get one, stop what you are doing and follow the instructions in the alert. If you are driving, do not read it: find somewhere safe and legal to stop first (GOV.UK Emergency Alerts).
Emergency Alerts are free and you do not need to sign up. The government does not need your phone number, and GOV.UK says data about you, your device or your location will not be collected.

Gas, water and health

Smell gas or think you have carbon monoxide poisoning? Get outside, do not use switches or flames, and call the free National Gas Helpline on 0800 111 999 (NHS). Northern Ireland: 0800 002 001 (nidirect).
Water supply problems: contact your own water company. Find your water supplier.
Urgent medical help that is not an emergency: 111 or NHS 111 online (Wales: NHS 111 Wales; Scotland: NHS 24 on 111).
Police non-emergency: 101 (GOV.UK: contact the police).

Get ready in advance

Be Ready (UK government) and Ready Scotland (Scottish Government).
Make your household emergency plan and print a wallet card.
Tick off a grab bag and home kit, and work out your food and water.

Sources

Links and numbers checked 5 November 2026. Numbers can change: check the official site if a number does not work. OrCore Prep is an independent app by OrCore Ltd. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or representing the UK government or any government body. Government advice is quoted with links to the official source.