WORCESTERSHIRE residents are being encouraged to make a simple emergency plan to help their households cope with unexpected disruption.
Worcestershire County Council has launched a Household Emergency Plan, offering practical advice and a template for families to record vital information should they need to leave home quickly or manage without normal services.
The guide is designed to help people prepare for incidents including flooding, wildfires, severe weather, power cuts and other utility failures, industrial incidents and major road or rail accidents.
Residents are advised to keep essential supplies, medication and important documents easily accessible.
The council says households should be prepared to look after themselves for up to 72 hours during a widespread emergency, as it may take time for emergency services and partner organisations to reach everyone.
The plan includes space to note emergency contacts, agreed meeting places, medical needs, school collection arrangements and pet-care considerations.
It also covers important household information, such as the location of gas shut-off valves, water stopcocks and fuse boxes, and provides checklists for essential supplies and a grab bag.
Councillor Alan Bailes, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said: "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.
"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."
The council said completing a plan could also help all members of a household understand what they should do and who to contact if an emergency occurs.
The Household Emergency Plan can be downloaded from Worcestershire County Council’s Worcestershire Prepared webpage.
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