People and movement
Evacuation, sheltering and grab bags
Some incidents require you to go in, stay in and tune in. Others require immediate evacuation. The alert, responders and visible danger determine the safe action.
Last checked: 25 August 2026 How we use official sources
Make two plans
- Choose an indoor room suitable for temporary shelter and know how to close outside-air ventilation.
- Choose two meeting points and more than one route away from home.
- Plan transport without assuming a private car will be available.
- Agree who assists children, disabled people, carers, pets and assistance animals.
- Keep destinations and contacts on paper.
A realistic grab bag
- Copies of essential identification, contacts, medicine lists and insurance information.
- Regular medicines, device instructions and charged backup batteries where available.
- Water, ready-to-eat food, torch, radio, charger, warm layer and basic hygiene supplies.
- Cash, keys, glasses, hearing-device batteries and communication cards.
- Baby, pet and assistance-animal essentials.
When an instruction arrives
- Check the issuing authority, area, time and exact route or shelter instruction.
- Leave promptly when told. Delaying can increase risk to you and responders.
- Do not travel towards the incident or a closed route.
- Tell your agreed contact where you are going when it is safe to do so.
Evidence and official services
Sources behind this guidance
Open the official page for current detail, live services and local instructions. This page was checked on 25 August 2026.
- What to do if you are involved in an emergencyGOV.UK Prepare
- Get prepared for emergenciesGOV.UK Prepare
- Escape from a fireFire Kills