Preventing emergencies

If you put measures in place before an emergency takes place you may be able to help you cope better if one happens. There are things that you can do to avoid emergencies happening.

Here are some ideas:

• Don't lock the bathroom door in case you fall or slip
• Have an emergency contact list by your phone
• Have a list of medicine that you need to hand
• Keep a range of items handy for emergencies such as a torch and first aid kit
• Keep a note of utility and insurance companies contact numbers to hand so you can ring them straight away
• Ensure that family members know how to turn off the gas, water and electricity if you can't
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on a regular basis
• Keep harmful chemicals out of reach of children and pets
• Ensure doors and windows are locked
• Check for all potential fire hazards and have a plan to get out of the house in the event of a fire

This page was last updated on 19 August 2011