What to do in an emergency

Last updated: 31/01/2013 Add to My Bookmarks Subscribe

Before an emergency happens, it's good idea to be prepared.

This page contains information to help you know what to do in an emergency situation. It covers information on fire survival guidance, planning for a flood and how to prepare for severe weather but also critical information on the event of dialling 999 in an emergency (found below).

In the event of a fire : Get Out, Stay Out and Call 999

If you need to contact the emergency services, dial 999 and ask the operator for the service you require.

All 999 calls are free of charge.

In the event of dialling 999

Stay calm and speak slowly and clearly
Give the emergency operator your name and address.

When the operator connects you to the relevant emergency service, you will be asked the address of the incident and details of what is happening.

At this stage the caller will be given advice on what to do: -

Ensure you listen to what information the telephone operator is asking you.
If there is a fire and the caller is in immediate danger, for example if there is a fire in the building where they are making the call, they will be asked to leave the premises. If this is not possible, they will be given appropriate fire survival guidance.
If the call is a chimney fire, if there is no danger to the caller, they may be asked to close windows and doors to the room of the fire to reduce draughts and place a fire guard in front of the grate.
If the call is for a road traffic collision or other similar incident, other emergency services will be advised and details of any injuries may be taken so that they can be passed to the Ambulance service.

The information you give over the telephone is vital so that relevant emergency service can get to you as soon as possible.

It will help if you try to find out as many details about the address of the incident as you can before you call. If you're not sure, the Control Room Operator will help you to pinpoint your location.

Keeping Safe