Emergency planning

What should I do to prepare for emergencies?

 There are a number of ways to ensure that you and your family are prepared for emergencies, which can range from incidents that affect the wider community such as flooding, to household incidents such as power loss or a fire.

Stay alert

  • media feeds from Sutton Council and Metropolitan Police will keep you updated on any emergency that has occurred and the impacts it could have upon you and your day to day life. To receive these notifications, follow us on Twitter at @MPSSutton and @SuttonCouncil, or alternatively view the Council's website for live feeds and updates.
  • register to receive flood alerts from the Environment Agency by phone, email or text
  • download the "Emergency by British Red Cross" app to receive real-time, personalised alerts and advice to help you combat severe weather and other UK emergencies.
  • keep aware of any traffic disruptions in your area through TfL Alerts

Contact details and important documents

Make a list of all of your important contacts, such as family, friends, neighbours, your children's school, GP, vet, gas, water, electricity supplier and your insurers.

Important documents need to be stored in a safe location. Documents could include: passport, driving license, medical forms/prescriptions, insurance details, contact list, national insurance card/documentation, etc.

Prepare an Emergency pack:

It is recommended all households are suitably prepared for the different types of risks that we could face and in doing so should have an 'Emergency Pack' at hand at home, in the car and at work.

Suggested items that could be in a home emergency pack include:

  • water: Ensure you maintain enough bottled water for all your family to last at least 2 days
  • first aid kit
  • torch and extra batteries
  • non-perishable food and manual can opener
  • warm, dry clothing and sturdy shoes
  • radio (battery operated or hand crank)
  • sleeping bag or blankets
  • money
  • mobile phone charger (plug socket or car plug in)
  • prescriptions
  • personal hygiene & sanitation items 
  • contact list (key personal contacts, utilities companies, insurance company, etc.)

Items within a car emergency pack could vary depending on the time of the year, but could include items such as:

  • first aid kit
  • bottled water
  • torch with spare batteries
  • in car mobile telephone charger
  • sweets or long life snacks
  • blanket and warm clothing
  • waterproof clothing and wellington boots

At work, we recommend employers have an emergency grab bag when evacuating the premise. Items in this bag can include:

  • torch with spare batteries 
  • mobile telephone & charger
  • portable radio and spare batteries 
  • first aid kit- include items such as assorted bandages, cleansing agents and pain relief tablets
  • spare keys to lock the premises if possible
  • small amount of cash or company credit card
  • staff contact list
  • key contact list
  • insurance company details
  • emergency numbers for your suppliers and utility companies

Create a Household Emergency Plan

Prepare and protect your business

Visit our Business Continuity page for more information on how to prepare your business for emergencies.

How can I stay safe during an emergency?

During an emergency it is important to stay calm and seek information from the emergency services and Council. Unless you have been told not to by the emergency services, the following guidelines should be followed:

  • if the danger is outside: Get in, stay in and tune in.
  • if the danger is inside: Get out and stay out.
  • if people are in danger or have been injured, phone 999 and inform the emergency services.
  • ensure you follow the advice of the emergency services.
  • remain calm and support others around you.
  • stay informed: watch local television stations and listen to the radio.
  • ensure you and your household are safe first. Help your friends and neighbours, particularly those who are vulnerable.

Share this page

rating button