Falkirk Council

Knowing the risks

Knowing the risks in your community is the first step towards helping you prepare for the consequences they may bring. There are many local hazards that could cause disruption to our daily lives.

The weather can bring its own problems through storms and floods but other risks and hazards within this area include industrial and transportation accidents. By planning and preparing now, you can limit the impact an emergency could have on you and your family.

• Have you identified the risks that might affect you at home and in your local area?
• Have you identified somewhere your family can meet if you are evacuated or cannot return to your home e.g a friend or relatives home?
• Have you checked your home insurance cover in detail?

Information is also available to help cope with specific emergencies|.

For more information on preparing for an emergency, you can visit Ready Scotland|.

Emergency situations

If you discover, or are experiencing an emergency situation, dial 999. Please do not ring the emergency services unless it is a genuine 999 matter.

When you dial 999 the first person to answer will be an operator who will ask what emergency service you require. They will ask for your telephone number because, if your line is cut, or you are unable to continue the call, the operator can trace where you are and send assistance.

If a major emergency affects your area tune into your local radio station or switch on the TV for advice and information. Listen out for emergency phone numbers that may be released.

Information and notification of an incident may also be given from other sources including:

• a van driving around using loud hailers to inform you
• a visit from an officer to tell you personally

Be a good neighbour and pass on warnings to those who may have missed the warnings, and check on the elderly and infirm.

Make an Emergency Plan

If an emergency was to occur, some thought and planning taken now would be helpful will ease the effects of such an incident on yourself and your family.

Here are some practical ideas you may wish to consider.

• Download our emergency information sheet (PDF, 26KB).
• Create an emergency plan for your own household and ensure household members are aware of your plan.
• Consider a situation when all members of the family may not be at home at the time of the incident.
• Discuss what actions you may take and agree a method of keeping in contact.
• Remember contact by mobile phone may not always be possible.
• Don't rely on your mobile phone address book for contacts.
• Take a note of contact telephone numbers you may require during an emergency, e.g. Doctor, Dentist, Bank, Relatives etc.
• Revisit your plan annually.
• Take time to find out where and how to turn off water, gas and electricity supplies to your home and share this information with other family members if appropriate.
• Think about the essential things you may need if you are unable to remain in your home eg house and car keys, cash and credit cards, mobile phone and mobile phone charger, medication, a list of useful telephone numbers.

Local radio stations may provide safety announcements, information and advice during a local or national emergency such as flooding. 

Ensure your radio is pre-tuned to your local stations.

• Central FM: FM103.1
• BBC Radio Scotland: FM 92-95/MW 810
• Real Radio: FM 100-101

Take time to consider your elderly or vulnerable neighbours and assist where possible.

Consider a plan for your pets

In the event of leaving your home during an emergency situation and if safe to do so, remember to turn off electricity, gas and water and ensure all doors and windows are locked.

Prepare your own Emergency Kit

Home Emergency Kit

Making a plan will help you consider useful items you may need if you are displaced following an incident. Your own list will be specific to your needs but here are a few ideas.

• A list of useful phone numbers, such as your doctor's and close relatives.
• Home and car keys.
• Cooking equipment (including tin-opener, utensils and cutlery).
• Bottled water, ready-to-eat food (eg tinned food / dried food) and a bottle/tin opener.
• Toiletries, sanitary supplies and any regularly prescribed medication.
• A battery radio with spare batteries/wind-up radio.
• A torch with spare batteries, candles and matches / wind-up torch.
• A well-stocked first aid kit.
• Medication (including baby items).
• Your mobile phone and battery charger.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Spare clothes and blankets.
• Blankets and set of dry clothing.
• A few basic tools.

Try to keep enough in your house to last all of you at least two days at all times.

When you are told it is safe to return, open windows and allow fresh air to circulate before turning on the electricity, gas and water.

Car Emergency Kit

• A blanket or sleeping bag.
• A snow shovel.
• A powerful torch (check batteries regularly).
• A change of clothing, including hat and gloves.
• Waterproof clothing.
• Take bottled water (check use by date).
• De-icer, antifreeze, screenwash, brake fluid and correct engine oil.
• Before you travel, fill a flask with hot drink and take it with you.

Giving consideration to these few simple steps will help you remain calm during an emergency.