Crisis
Crisis: numbers and first steps
If someone’s life is at risk, call 999 now. This page is kept on your device once you have visited the site, so it opens without a signal.
Numbers
- Emergency services999Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard. 112 also works. Free from any phone, even with no credit.
- Power cut105England, Scotland, Wales. Free. Northern Ireland: 03457 643643 (NIE Networks).
- Smell gas or suspect CO0800 111 999Great Britain, 24 hours. Northern Ireland: 0800 002 001. Get into fresh air first.
- Floodline0345 988 1188England, Scotland, Wales, 24 hours. Northern Ireland Flooding Incident Line: 0300 2000 100.
- Urgent medical advice111NHS 111 (England and Wales), NHS 24 (Scotland). In Northern Ireland, contact your GP or out-of-hours service.
Water off? Your water company’s number is on your bill (NI Water: 03457 440 088). Write all of these in your household plan.
First steps
Power cut
- Use a torch, not candles.
- Check your fuse box and prepayment meter. Whole street out? Call 105.
- Switch off cookers, irons and heaters. Keep the fridge and freezer shut.
- Stay away from fallen power lines.
Flood
- If water is coming in and you are in danger, call 999.
- Do not walk, cycle or drive through flood water.
- Move people, pets and medicines upstairs or to higher ground.
- Turn off gas, electricity and water only if you can do it without touching water.
Storm
- Stay indoors if you can. Do not go out to fix damage while it is still blowing.
- Keep away from fallen trees, walls and power lines.
- Charge phones and power banks while you have power.
- Check Met Office warnings and local radio.
Water off
- Check your water company’s website or social media for updates.
- Save bottled water for drinking, food and handwashing.
- Use other water for flushing. Do not drink collected rainwater.
- On the Priority Services Register? Your water company will arrange water for you.
Cold
- Heat the room you use most to at least 18°C if you can. Close doors and curtains.
- Wear thin layers. Use blankets and hats.
- Never bring a barbecue, camping stove or outdoor heater indoors. Carbon monoxide is poisonous.
- Slurred speech, slow breathing, tiredness or confusion can be signs of hypothermia, a medical emergency. Call 999.
Heat
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.
- Close curtains on the sunny side. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Never leave anyone, or any pet, in a parked car.
- Heatstroke is an emergency. Call 999.
Official updates
- Met Office weather warnings
- Flood warnings in England, Scotland (SEPA) and Wales
- Power cut map and updates (powercut105)
- Be Ready (UK Government) and Ready Scotland
- NI Direct
Follow instructions from the emergency services and local council. This is an independent guide, not a government service. We cannot tell you whether a place is safe; official sources will tell you where to go.