All emergencies are different in terms of dangers to members of the public and the response required. However, there are some practical and inexpensive measures that you can adopt to assist the emergency services and help you cope with the situation.
Advice concerning specific hazards can be found in the other pages in this section.
If you witness a major emergency, dial 999
Tune into your local radio and/or television station
- BBC Leeds 92.4, 95.3 FM and 774 AM
- Up to date reports will be broadcast on your local stations, including emergency contact numbers
- The ‘local radio stations’ and ‘BBC radio stations’ links provide details on your local radio frequencies
Keep a list of useful telephone numbers
- The list should not only include numbers to the emergency response agencies (emergency services, the environment agency) but more local contacts (GPs, relatives, schools/nurseries)
- Have a plan who to call in an emergency. A useful contact list that you can fill in can be found in the download 'contact list'.
Keep a set of emergency provisions
- Details on what to keep in your emergency pack can be found in the ‘emergency provisions’ document
Know how to switch off your utilities
- Make sure you know how to switch off the gas, electricity and water supplies to your house or premises
- Contact details of utility companies can be found on the ‘BBC Leeds emergency information’ link or in the ‘contact list’ document
Check people are ok
- If it is safe to do so, check on not only relatives, family and friends but the elderly and disabled residents in your neighbourhood
Be ready for possible evacuation
- Details on what to do if you are requested to evacuate can be found in the ‘evacuation’ document
- Information on the Leeds city centre evacuation plan can be found in the ‘city centre evacuation’ page
‘Preparing for emergencies’ leaflet
The Peace and Emergency Planning unit have produced a leaflet listing useful information on what to do to reduce the effects of a major emergency on yourself and your family. The leaflet is available to download on this page. If you would like a copy sent, please email us at the address link on this page.
Crisis support
The Council's crisis support plan aims to provide support for people distressed as a result of a major incident. This is on a short to medium-term basis, but does make provision for the organisation of longer-term support. If you have any queries on this or any emergency preparedness issues, or have any comments or feedback on our pages, please email us at the address at the top of the page.