New emergency plan launched to help Worcestershire households prepare for crisis
Worcestershire County Council's guide aims to keep families safe in emergencies
Worcestershire County Council has introduced a Household Emergency Plan designed to help families prepare for unexpected situations.
The guide aims to assist households in creating practical plans that ensure readiness for emergencies such as wildfires, floods, extreme weather, and utility outages.
Households are encouraged to download the easy-to-use plan, which includes advice and a template for documenting crucial information like emergency contacts, medical needs, and household details.
The plan covers various potential emergencies, including flooding, fires, extreme weather events, utility failures, industrial incidents, chemical spills, and traffic accidents.
Councillor Alan Bailes, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, emphasised the importance of preparation, saying, "Nobody likes to think about emergencies, but spending just a little time preparing now can give you and your family real peace of mind.
"We see different seasonal risks throughout the year, from wildfires during hot, dry weather to flooding during the autumn and winter months.
Most incidents are dealt with quickly and effectively, but having a simple plan in place means you'll know what to do and where to turn if you're affected.
"Our Household Emergency Plan is designed to make preparation easy. It's not about causing concern, it's about helping people feel confident and ready for whatever comes their way."
Residents are advised to keep supplies, medication, and documents accessible, and be capable of self-sufficiency for up to 72 hours during widespread emergencies.
The plan encourages involvement from the entire household, ensuring everyone knows the steps to take and contacts in case of an emergency.