Advice at home
Why would I need to stay in my home?
Some emergencies will require you to stay in your home or others might mean you need to evacuate. Some simple steps will mean you can be more prepared should an emergency occur and you are at home.
This may be because of hazardous chemicals or substances, pandemics, smoke from nearby fires or an unknown risk in your neighbourhood. You may even have to stay indoors for up to 3 days in serious, but rare, circumstances.
The general advice to 'Go in, stay in and tune in' is recognised and used worldwide for major emergencies that require you to remain indoors.
What supplies will I need?
You should keep sufficient supplies that meet your household needs for at least 72 hours; remember to think about what you would need if your electricity, gas or water supply was cut off as a result of the incident.
A typical supplies list for sheltering in your home for 72 hours might include:
- Drinking water – at least two litres per person per day in easily carried bottles
- Water for cooking and washing – at least three litres per person per day
- Food - non-perishable e.g. canned food (don’t forget the manual can opener!), dried foods and energy bars etc.
- Camping stove
- Torch (battery or wind-up) with spare batteries
- Camping lantern (Ideally LED)
- Medication and a first aid kit
- A copy of your household emergency plan
- Pet food/water, routine medication
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each family member
- Hand sanitizer
- Toiletries (including toothpaste and brush)
- Waste/rubbish sacks
- Toilet rolls
- Duct tape to tape up windows, doors and vents
