Evacuation

In some emergencies you will be told to evacuate your home. This would usually be until the danger has passed. When there is significant damage to your home, or the surrounding areas, you may not be allowed back until the area has been made safe.

In the event of an evacuation, we encourage you to stay with friends or family if possible. Another option is staying in a hotel, or Bed and Breakfast, but you would need to pay for this yourself.

If you are unable to find alternative accommodation you will be able to use a rest centre. Our centres are run with help from voluntary organisations, and are usually set up in schools or leisure centres. They will offer basic short term facilities.

If you are asked to evacuate your home, we suggest taking the following items with you:

• a change of clothing
• toiletries
• medicines and any special foods
• blanket and pillow
• money, credit or debit cards
• mobile phone
• copies of important documents, for example insurance, passport, or drivers licence
• items for babies or small children, for example baby formula, nappies, and a travel cot
• items for pets

It is a good idea to prepare an emergency grab bag, with some of these items, which you can take with you if you need to evacuate at short notice.

If you need help to leave your home, or get to a rest centre, help will be available from us or the emergency services.

Once you reach a rest centre, please tell staff on arrival about any special requirements you or your family have, and they will be able to assist you.