Prepare for an emergency- police

WARRINGTON people are being urged by police to prepare an emergency “grab bag” in case they ever have to be evacuated from their homes.
The suggestion is part of a new advice leaflet being distributed by the Local Resilience Forum. It aims to make residents safer and more resilient in times of a crisis such as floods or major incidents.
A forum spokesperson said: “Major incidents such as flooding, severe weather and industrial accidents are rare but in the event of these happening, the forum is encouraging members of the community to make the necessary preparations to protect themselves and their families.”
The emergency pocket leaflet is part of the forum’s “Help Us to Help You – Be Prepared for Emergencies” campaign and is available at various locations including libraries, leisure centres, police stations, hospitals and health centres.
It encourages people to familiarise themselves with details such as how to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies, and how to tune into local radio stations to receive advice and updates in emergency situations.
The forum also encourages people to prepare an emergency “grab bag” with items ranging from a torch and radio to bottled water and a first-aid kit. Members say this will be useful whether taking shelter indoors during an incident or if evacuated by the emergency services.
Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick, head of the forum, said: “Thankfully, major emergencies are rare in Cheshire, however we all know from recent media coverage of the Cumbrian flooding, natural disasters can occur in any place at any time. It’s important that we all take responsibility for preparing our families and homes for a variety of situations.
“Although we can’t tell people when and where incidents are going to occur, we can prepare people in Cheshire for how best to deal with situations with the help of the information in this leaflet. If an emergency incident should happen, we hope Cheshire residents will be better equipped to deal with it.”
Further details are available from www.cheshireresilience.org.uk