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How to prepare for emergencies

No one can predict what’s around the corner, but when the unexpected happens – from a flood or fire to a terrorist incident – it pays to be prepared. The pages in this section provide information on the simple precautions you can take to prepare for a range of emergency situations, along with advice on how to cope if they happen.

A Red Cross ambulance in front of the number 10

Top ten tips for coping with emergencies

Find useful tips for coping with all sorts of emergencies – from floods to terrorism – as well as other websites that may help you.

Car breakdown

If you've broken down, it can be dangerous to stop and it’s always inconvenient. Here are our tips on how to prevent car breakdowns and how to deal with them safely when they happen.

Chemical emergencies

Chemical emergencies are a fact of modern life. Whether from road accidents, in the workplace or from terrorist attack, we all need to know the basics of what to do.

Volunteer talks with a family after a domestic fire

Coping with a crisis

If you have endured a crisis, your experience is likely to have been a very personal one - but we can help you avoid potential pitfalls.

Drought and water-saving tips

If you live in the UK, you might not think you need to prepare for a drought or water shortage, but a little knowledge can go a long way.

Emergencies in business

Employers are responsible for the safety of their staff. Learn what to do before, during and after an emergency in a business occurs.

Emergencies in schools

A school emergency is every teacher's and parent’s nightmare. But there is a lot you can do to help make sure things run as smoothly as possible.

Volunteer discusses an incident with a fireman

Fire prevention and safety

There are more than 50,000 house fires each year in the UK, causing an average of 350 fatalities and 11,000 injuries – and most of these are preventable.

First aid practice for young boy and girl - Shropshire

First aid for all

Almost three million people go to hospital each year in the UK with injuries that could have been helped by first aid.

A sign warns drivers of a flooded street

Flood research study

If you've been affected by flooding, you could help our research by telling us about the sort of support you need.

Emergency response volunteer directs people through flood

Prepare for floods and flooding

Floods happen to other people, don’t they? Not any more, it seems. Find out how to be prepared for floods.

Be prepared for a heatwave

Prepare for the unexpected: what to do if a heatwave strikes, and how you can be prepared for future heatwaves.

Pet first aid

Prepare for the unexpected: what to do before, during and after an emergency involving a pet.

Ready for winter

Learn what to do before, during and after severe weather in winter.

How to prepare for swine flu and other flu strains

Be prepared for swine flu with our helpful information, with details about swine flu symptoms and answers to freqently asked questions about swine flu.

How to prepare for terrorist attacks

Terrorist attacks happen without warning, but there are ways you can prepare for them. Read our tips to find out more.

Thunderstorms and blackouts

Severe storms can be frightening, particularly for elderly people, children and pets. Find out how to stay safe.

Sophie Orr, a British Red Cross delegate who worked as the ICRC's deputy head of sub-delegation in Sudan

Prepare for problems when travelling abroad

British people make more than 66 million trips abroad each year. Make your trip or holiday a safe and healthy one.

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British Red Cross, UK Office, 44 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AL Phone: 0844 871 11 11. Fax: 020 7562 2000.
The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949) and Scotland (SC037738)

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