DURING

In a major emergency, if you are not involved in the incident, but are close by or believe you may be in danger, the best advice is to:

  • make sure 999 has been called if people are injured or if there is a threat to life.
  • do not put yourself or others in danger.
  • check for injuries and remember to attend to yourself before attempting to help others.
  • listen to and follow advice from the emergency services.
  • try to remain calm, consider the hazards, think before acting and try to reassure others.
  • consider and be aware of the needs of other people, especially children, the elderly and vulnerable.  Try to assist, where possible, and reassure others involved. 
  • REMEMBER: Go In, Stay In, Tune In to the local radio – BBC Radio Merseyside online.
  • during a major emergency, the affected Local Authority may establish an emergency helpline to support members of the public with up-to-date and reliable information about the incident.  If an emergency helpline is set up, details of how to access it will usually be broadcast on local radio stations and on the Local Authority's website.

If an emergency happens close to your home, it is important to:

  • bring your family and pets inside.
  • lock doors and close windows.
  • emergency responders may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do.  However, by watching TV, listening to the radio or checking the internet often for official news and instructions you will be able to be informed as they become available.
  • use your Emergency Grab Bag, if you have one.
  • make sure a telephone is close by.

Follow the links below to learn how you can prepare for during an emergency.

There may be situations when there is an incident close to your home and the emergency services tell you to evacuate your home.  They consider the need for evacuation very carefully and it is as a last resort.  You should always follow the advice of the emergency services who are working to protect your safety. 

Follow our advice on Planning for an Evacuation.

If you have time:

  • tune in to the local radio for emergency advice and instructions - BBC Radio Merseyside online.

  • follow instructions provided by the Emergency Services or the Local Authority.

  • if instructed to leave, leave as quickly and calmly as possible.

  • check with close neighbours (especially vulnerable ones) to ensure they know what is happening and if they need a lift.

  • if leaving by car, follow the recommended directions. Do not take shortcuts, enter restricted areas or closed roads and be aware that parking can be limited at some emergency centres.

  • when you have left, inform anyone that usually lives in the house that you have left and for them not to go there.  Contact relatives and friends and inform them you are safe.

  • do not return home unless you are told it is safe to do so.

Emergency Centres

Depending on the needs of those affected by an emergency, there are various types of emergency centres that can be established as part of the response effort.

Survivor Reception Centres - maybe set up near the site of the incident by the Police to provide a safe area for survivors not requiring acute medical treatment. A Survivor Reception Centre can offer first aid, immediate shelter and welfare and signpost to further support. 

Casualty Bureau – established by the Police as a single point of contact for receiving and collating all reported data through a public facing telephone line about casualties, suspected casualties and those believed to be missing as a result of the incident.

Family & Friends Reception Centres – these centres are set up by the Police and supported by the Local Authority.  They are a focal point for relatives and friends of those believed to be affected by the incident where they can go to seek information and practical and emotional support. 

Rest Centres – pre-designated locations (such as schools, halls, leisure or community centres) which are usually set up by the Local Authority and staffed by volunteers to provide a temporary, safe and warm place to stay until evacuees can return home.   The Voluntary Sector and NHS services may also support the staffing of these centres.

Human Aspects Centres – intended to function as a ‘one stop shop’ facility where those affected by an emergency can access a range of support. It is managed and staffed by the Local Authority supported by many other organisations brought in to service the needs of those affected by the incident.