We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Make an emergency plan for your home

Last updated
24 Mar 2026

An emergency plan will help you and your household stay safe in an emergency. You can fill in this example plan with information you’ll need.

Make an emergency plan for your home (PDF)

Keep a printed or handwritten copy somewhere handy and make sure everyone in your home knows where it is.

You should also have an emergency kit. You can note what essentials you need in your emergency plan.

What to include in your emergency plan

In your emergency plan, you should put:

  • what to do in an emergency
  • how you'll stay informed
  • your agreed meeting places
  • important numbers
  • any support needs within your household

What to do in an emergency

Look out items in your emergency kit.

If it’s not safe to go outside:

  • go indoors and close all windows and doors
  • stay indoors
  • stay up to date using radio, TV or online information

Stay informed

Keep up to date using radio, TV, websites and official social media channels.

If the power is out, use a battery‑powered or wind‑up radio. Try both digital and FM stations. You can also use a car radio, but in severe weather it might be safer to stay indoors.

You should also stay in touch with your local community. Find out how to find and share information in an emergency.

Stay safe online

Criminals may take advantage of emergencies by sharing scams or false information.

Protect yourself from scams, fraud and cybercrime. Keep your devices and personal information secure. Find out how to stay safe online.

Choose meeting places

Agree a meeting place for everyone in your home. This can help you find each other if:

  • you need to leave your home
  • someone cannot get home
  • mobile phone networks are disrupted

Choose a place close to home that you can use if you cannot meet in your house.

When choosing a meeting place, make sure it has shelter and is safe in bad weather. It should also be accessible for all members of your household, including any children, older people or anyone with additional needs.

Find out more about how to make your emergency plan accessible.

Important numbers

These numbers can help in many types of emergencies.

Emergency services and utilities

Emergency services: 999

Police: 101

NHS 24: 111

Power cut: 105

Gas emergencies: 0800 111 999

Water supply issues – Scottish Water: 0800 077 8778

Flooding – SEPA Floodline: 0345 988 1188

Your own important numbers

You may also want to include your:

  • GP surgery
  • school or childcare provider
  • care providers and home assist services
  • insurance provider and policy number
  • vet
  • local council
  • close family members or friends

If you’re deaf or hard of hearing

You can sign up to the emergencySMS service. This allows you to text 999.

You need to register in advance. Text ‘register’ to 999 to sign up.

Make your emergency plan accessible

You may need to do extra planning if you or someone in your home:

  • has a disability or additional needs
  • has long-term health conditions
  • uses medical equipment at home
  • gets care or support services
  • has additional communication needs
  • cannot leave independently in an emergency

Find out more about emergency planning for disabled people and carers. 

Get extra help with water, gas and electricity

Your utility company can give you extra support through the Priority Services Register. You can get this if you:

  • use medical equipment that needs power or water
  • are disabled or have a long-term health condition
  • live with children under 5
  • are over 60

Looking after others

Look out for children and people who may need additional assistance during emergencies.

Planning ahead can help keep everyone calm and informed.

Talking to children

Explain what to do in an emergency in simple, reassuring language.

Help children learn:

  • their home address
  • a parent or guardian’s mobile number, if possible
  • how and when to call emergency services

Check your child's school or childcare provider has your up-to-date contact details.

The StayWise website has resources for children on safety and emergencies. Visit StayWise for activities to help children learn about safety.

Letting children help with the emergency plan and household kit can help them remember the information and feel safer.

Helping people who may need extra assistance

Once you and your household are safe, check on neighbours and those who are at greater risk, such as:

  • young children
  • older adults
  • people who need extra assistance to get around
  • people who get care at home

For example, you can help them by:

  • preparing their home before an emergency
  • picking up extra food, water, toiletries or medications
  • making sure they have important numbers written down
  • keeping in contact by phone or visiting them if it’s safe to do so

If you know someone with dementia, you can fill in a Herbert Protocol form. This can help police find them if they go missing. Find out more about the Herbert Protocol at Police Scotland.

Keep your plan up to date

Review your emergency plan every time your circumstances change. For example, after:

  • moving home

  • changes to equipment or medication

  • changes in care arrangements

  • changes in your health or mobility

Sharing up-to-date information with people who support you can help everyone respond more effectively during an emergency.

Back to top