Resources in an Emergency

We have prepared some useful links and advice as to what to do in the event of an Emergency situation.

Civil Unrest

The following is general Safety Guidance for Situations of Civil Unrest:

  • Follow local news and media and talk to locals (neighbours in your building etc) who will often be in a better position to gauge the local situation;Register to receive FCDO Advice and Updates for the area (and additional advice provided by your home country services if you are not a British National);
  • Avoid all demonstrations and neighbouring areas, do not be tempted to be inquisitive;
  • If you find yourself caught up in a protest then try to remove yourself from the crowd as quickly as possible and seek refuge in a nearby building;
  • Try to avoid buildings that might become a target during the unrest eg. government buildings, police stations, banks etc.  Similarly avoid public transport which will also often be targeted.
  • Strictly observe curfews and any other regulations that are imposed;
  • In volatile situations, stay indoors;
  • Make sure that you have access to cash should banks close for an extended period;
  • Make sure if at all possible that you have a good supply of food and water and manage your supplies carefully;
  • Have a ‘go/grab bag’ ready with any medication, travel documents, fully charged phone (with all key emergency numbers stored), cash, food and water.
  • If you are indoors/at home and hear gunfire, explosions or rioting outside, stay away from the windows.  Do not be tempted to watch the activity from your window. Draw the curtains or blinds to prevent shards of broken glass entering.  Ensure that all windows and external doors are closed and locked.
  • Do not film/video activity as this could make you a target and do not engage in debate about the political situation.

 

Cyclones/Hurricanes/Typhoons

Once a tropical cyclone reaches maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, it is then classified as a hurricane, typhoon, or tropical cyclone, depending upon where the storm originates in the world.   In the North Atlantic, central North Pacific, and eastern North Pacific, the term hurricane is used. Potential threats from hurricanes/typhoons or cyclones include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides.

How to stay safe when a Hurricane occurs

 

Volcanoes

A volcanic eruption is when gas and/or lava are released from a volcano, sometimes explosively. When volcanoes erupt they can spew hot, dangerous gases, ash, lava and rock that can cause disastrous loss of life and property, especially in heavily populated areas.
Several hazards resulting from a volcano may affect the area around the volcano, such as lava flows, pyroclastic flows and landslides or debris avalanches. Volcanic activity also produces hazards that can affect areas far from the volcano, such as tephra or ash falls, releases of gas and tsunamis. Such hazards can impact areas hundreds or thousands of kilometres from the volcano, with the potential for significant health and economic impacts.

Ready Gov advice on volcanoes

 

Deliberate Attack

A deliberate attack could be:

  • Knife Attacker
  • Active Shooter
  • Vehicle Attack
  • Explosion
  • Acid Burns
  • Unattend Items

www.citizenaid.org

 

Earthquakes

An earthquake is a sudden and rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can happen without warning and result in injuries and damage to property and roads. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides, or avalanches. 

What to do in the event of an Earthquake

Earthquakes 101

New Zealands Emergency Civil Defence 

What to do in the event of an Earthquake

 

Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.

NHS Advice for heat exhuastion and heatstroke

 

Pandemic

A pandemic is a disease epidemic that spreads across a large region or worldwide. The world is usually ill-prepared against a severe pandemic outbreak, as we live in a world of high speed transportation (worldwide) which means that it can spread fast.
 
As with other respiratory infections like the flu or the common cold, public health measures are critical to slow the spread of illnesses. While the list below is not complete for an overall pandemic preparedness, it should get you to thinking about your own preparedness:
  • Staying home when sick- The incubation period of an infectious disease is the time between infection and symptom onset. Many viral infections will manifest themselves within a period of 3 – 5 days, and most within 10 – 14.
  • Stay away from people - Surviving a pandemic is a matter of ISOLATING YOURSELF from OTHER INFECTED PEOPLE until it has run its course, At worse, this could be many weeks, month(s) or even longer.
  • Covering your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of used tissue immediately;
  • Don’t touch eyes, nose, or mouth without having washed your hands first;
  • Washing hands regulalrly with soap and water;
  • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects;
  • Food and Water - make sure you have enough of the basics to remain at home for weeks, maybe longer, without having to go out and resupply;
  • Medications- make sure you have enough of whatever you may be taking. Also consider those which may help alleviate symptoms if someone were to get sick at home.
The public health officials may have some additional recommendations:
 

Snow Storms

A winter storm, is like any other major weather event, it can keep you trapped for days without power. Here is some general advice on how to prepare for a snowstorm, what to do before, during, and after a blizzard:

Winter Weather Advice

Met Office - Seasonal Advice

Winter Storm Preparedness & Blizzard Safety | Red Cross

 

Wildfires

Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie.

How to stay safe when wildfires threaten

Air Quality monitoring (Australia)

How to protect yourself


 

Are you Prepared?

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items you may need in the event of an emergency.

Build a Kit