Be ready for emergencies

We work with partners through the Cheshire Resilience Forum (CRF) to help communities prepare for emergencies. 

Emergencies such as flooding, fire or power cuts can sometimes happen without warning. Taking simple steps now will help you feel more prepared if an emergency does happen.

Check if you are eligible for the priority services register 

If you or someone you care for might need help during a power cut or water outage, check if you can join the free Priority Services Register at thepsr.co.uk 

It gives you extra advice and support from your energy or water supplier. 

Make a household emergency plan 

Test your smoke alarms once a week. Then, make a note of what your family would do in an emegency – include things like mobile numbers and meeting points. See our advice for planning your escape route in the event of a fire. You can also download a template from prepare.campaign.gov.uk.

Keep important numbers handy 

Write down key contacts like 105 to report a power cut and emergency numbers for your family. Keep the list somewhere easy to find.

Talk it through with your household

Make sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Teach children how and when to call 999, their home address and a trusted adult’s phone number.

Get your home and supplies ready 

Learn how to turn off your gas, electricity and water safely. Check your home insurance cover and sign up for flood and weather alerts. Think about what supplies you would need if things were disrupted for a few days. 

Emergency kit essentials 

Keep useful items together in case of a power cut or water outage. If there is a fire, get out, stay out, call 999 – do not stop to collect anything. 

Useful items to have in an emergency are: 

  • a torch (battery or wind-up) - this is safer than candles 

  • a charged power bank for your phone 

  • a battery or wind-up radio for updates 

  • spare batteries or backup for medical equipment 

  • a first aid kit 

  • hand sanitiser and wet wipes 

  • bottled water and ready-to-eat food such as tinned meat, fruit or veg 

  • supplies for babies, children or pets if needed. 

For further information about preparing for emergencies, please visit: prepare.campaign.gov.uk. 

Cheshire Resilience Forum (CRF)

The Cheshire Resilience Forum (CRF) helps communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. 

CRF brings together a range of organisations, including: 

  • Category 1 responders – core emergency services such as the fire and rescue service, police, local authorities and NHS organisations. 

  • Category 2 organisations – supporting agencies such as the Health and Safety Executive, transport providers and utility companies, who play a key role during incidents affecting their sectors. 

Together, these partners work to protect communities and ensure Cheshire is as prepared as possible for emergencies. 

For more information on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, visit the Cheshire Resilience website. 


Last updated: Wednesday, 20 May 2026


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