What is likely to cause a major emergency?
A major emergency can happen quickly and without warning, causing serious disruption to life with consequences in excess of those which can be dealt with under normal procedures.
Major emergencies may arise from hazards such as
- Natural disasters (such as floods, gales and snow)
- Public health incidents (such as Swine flu)
- Public order disturbances (such as riots and demonstrations)
- Chemical hazards (such as toxic gas)
- Transportation incidents (such as railways or road accidents)
- Loss of utilities and essential services (such as power failures and the fuel crisis)
- Acts of terrorism (such as bomb threats and evacuations)
What can I do?
Advance preparation can help minimise the effects of a major emergency on you and your family and there are a number of things you could do.
- Read our Emergency Planning Information Brochure
- Prepare a household emergency plan using our template
- Find out about your local emergency services
- Learn about your home (for example, where and how to turn off power and water supplies) and involve your family or household
- Store important documents safely and take copies
- Learn some basic first aid (visit the St. John Ambulance website)
- How to cope emotionally during and after an emergency
In Case of Emergency (ICE)
In case of emergency (ICE) is a programme that enables first responders, such as paramedics, firefighters and police officers, to identify victims to their next of kin.
It encourages people to enter emergency contacts in their mobile phone address book under the name 'ICE'. But what if your mobile phone is broken, lost or locked?
Our Emergency Preparedness Information Card details the contact information of key service providers and provides space to include your personal emergency contact number. Cards are free and can be found at One Stop Centres and libraries across the city.
Information saves time, information saves lives. Carrying your Emergency Information Card could make all the difference. Please pick one up and keep in your wallet or purse.