Donside Emergency Plan

Make a kit of useful items such as  

• A battery radio (remember spare batteries) or wind up radio

• Battery operated hand or head torches or a wind up torch

• Camping stove with a supply of gas and/or fuel for a wood burner or and open fire 

• Hot water bottles and blankets

• A flask

• Bottled water, tinned food or packet food including pet food and supplies

• A basic first aid kit 

You should also know how to turn off your water and electricity supply. Keep important documents such as passports, birth certificates and insurance policies safe and to hand.

If you take medication make a list and make sure you take your medication with you if you are asked to leave your home. 

If you have warning of an emergency useful things to do are to check you have enough fuel in your car and charge up equipment that require battery power, for example  your mobile phones etc. 

If your property is in danger of flooding, sandbag all doors and ground level air vents, turn off your electricity and water and unplug electrical items. Move items that you want to protect upstairs or to a safe place. Sign up to SEPA flood warnings at https://floodline.sepa.org.uk/floodingsignup/ 

If you are in a vulnerable group , or someone you know is,  then you can sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). This is a free, UK wide service . It helps utility companies, including energy suppliers, electricity, gas and water networks to look after customers who have extra communication, access or safety needs in the event of a power cut, gas or water supply interruption.    https://www.thepsr.co.uk

Being a good neighbour is also valuable. Form a ‘bubble’ which can support each other drink an emergency.

All of these preparations are made in the hope that we never have to use them but recent experiences have shown us how vulnerable we can be especially in our rural areas.