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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
  • your agreed meeting places
  • important numbers

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

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

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

Meeting places

Agree a meeting place for everyone in your home. This helps you find each other if you need to leave your home or cannot get home.

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.

Depending on your household’s needs this could include: 

  • step-free access
  • a low-sensory or quiet environment
  • accessible toilets

Important numbers

These numbers can help in many types of emergencies.

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

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.

Your own important numbers

Add your own important numbers to your emergency plan.

These might include your:

  • GP
  • care providers, such as childcare or home assist services
  • insurance provider and policy number
  • vet
  • local council

If you need extra help

You might need to do extra planning if you cannot leave your home by yourself in an emergency. Think about: 

  • how you can leave home if you cannot use the lift or stairs
  • if you need evacuation equipment, like an evacuation chair
  • if you need to simplify routes in your home and remove anything that blocks the way
  • if you need someone else to help you leave your home safely
  • if the emergency services need to know you need extra help

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

You should look out for children and people who need extra help 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.

Teach them how and when to call the emergency services.

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

Help children learn:

  • their home address
  • a parent or guardian’s mobile number, if possible

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

Check your child’s school or childcare provider has your up‑to‑date contact details.

Helping people at greater risk

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 help 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.

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