Preparing for Emergencies

What might happen in Hartlepool?

The chances of anybody being caught up in a major emergency or disaster in Hartlepool are low; However, emergencies are usually the result of a series of improbable events occurring in sequence which cause a major incident.

Some of the emergencies we might have to deal with in Hartlepool are:

• Flooding - From extremely high tides or from extreme weather.
• Large chemical fires, toxic gas releases or explosions from the
• industrial activity in Hartlepool.
• Power failures
• Transport accidents involving the products of the Chemical Industry.

What can We do to prepare ourselves?

There are steps you can take to better prepared to protect yourself and others.

• Keep all important telephone numbers with you including those of of family and friends
• Ensure you and your family all have the phone number of a friend or relative who lives outside Hartlepool
• Make family plans for local emergencies and ensure your children know what to do; consider practicing the plans
• If you live near an industrial site you will be advised about any special emergency arrangement that have been put in place, ensure your family understand what to do.
• In the event of an emergency you should initially follow the advice to
  • Go in
  • Stay in
  • Tune in

Importantly, consider any neighbours who may have trouble hearing, reading or understanding information that is given out. Help them if you can.

Pack an emergency kit, they are useful for all sorts of situations serious or not, if you have a bag handy it should contain:-

• A radio
• A torch
• Sufficient spare batteries
• A first aid kit; consider first aid training as it can be invaluable day to day.
• Any medication you or your family can not do without.
• Bottled water
• Food for at least three days
• A tin opener!

For more information about 'preparing for emergencies', the Cabinet Office Have a dedicated website at: http://www.pfe.gov.uk/