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Preparing for an emergency

On this page you can find out: 

What to do in an emergency

  • if you're a witness, dial 999
  • if you're stranded at home, tune in to your local radio or TV for advice. Listen out for emergency phone numbers
  • use social media to find out what local public services are saying.

Pass on warnings to neighbours. Check on people who are elderly and/or have disabilities if it's safe. Try to limit your phone calls.

Animals and pets

Pets should be kept under cover. Do not go looking for your cat or dog if it is out when the emergency is announced. They can be cared for when the emergency is over. Do not touch any animals that have been outside.

If you need to access a restricted area to feed or care for livestock or horses, then contact the police, who can make the arrangements.

Coping in an emergency situation

In a major emergency affecting a big area, the services will attend to the most vulnerable first. Being prepared and knowing what to do in an emergency can limit the impact of the emergency on you, your family, and the community. It can also help with the recovery process.

Advice for residents and businesses about preparing for an emergency can be found on the link below:

Family and community planning

Your community can prepare for the unexpected in 2 simple ways. First is having a family emergency plan. Second, putting together an emergency box with basic items such as:

  • tinned or non-perishable foods (ideally food that does not need to be cooked)
  • bottled water
  • torch (and spare batteries)
  • radio
  • sandbags (if you are in a flood-risk area)

For guidance on preparing for different emergencies view or download the government booklet below:

Parish emergency planning

There should be a parish emergency plan that has been put in place for your community. It’s there just in case the emergency services can't get to you immediately.

A parish emergency plan includes the following:

  • reassures your community
  • gives confidence to your parish
  • helps to organise a community response to an emergency
  • offers everyone a local point of contact and support
  • helps to keep your community informed, so people know what to do - especially in the first critical hours following an incident
  • helps those who are vulnerable by providing information or practical help
  • represents the community
  • assists with community recovery

Get started in creating a parish emergency plan by using the documents below.

Our role in an emergency

We:

  • support the emergency services in all areas of their work
  • maintain essential services
  • help return the community to a state of normality as soon as possible

Our aim is to:

  • prepare emergency plans and make arrangements to protect the people, property and environment of South Cambridgeshire
  • reduce the impact of emergencies
  • prepare contingency plans
  • organise major-incident training and exercises to prepare for emergencies

Our planning officer helps the council prepare for emergencies and guides businesses and the public. This includes:

  • floods
  • chemical leaks
  • gas explosions and other minor issues.

The officer is always ready to handle emergencies.

Current emergency status

You can access the current emergency status of a range of topics through the following websites:

We'll share emergency updates on our website, Facebook and X (Twitter). Also, you can check information on the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Prepared webpage.

Priority Service Register

Communities should also spread the word about the free Priority Service Register. This is for elderly and vulnerable people who might need more help if a power cut happens.

Anyone over 60 can sign up and people who have a health condition or a disability, this includes: those who are visually or hearing impaired, people who are chronically ill, those who are dependent on medical equipment or refrigerated medicine, people with mental health issues, households who have children under 5.

Useful documents

Parish Emergency Plan template

Parish Emergency Plan guidance document

Related Information