Preparing for emergencies

Some emergencies can happen without any warning so it's a good idea to be prepared for any kind of emergency such as power cuts, severe weather disruption and floods.

Flooding

  1. Check if you live in a flood risk area:

You can check if your property could be affected by flooding and see both current and long-term risks.

  1. Sign up for warnings or help:

If you are in a risk area sign up for free flood warnings by phone, email or text at or call the Environment Agency Floodline on 0345 9881188 to register.

  1. Make an evacuation plan:

Flooding can happen very quickly after the first warnings are given, so it’s best to plan ahead for flooding so you can react quickly in a worst-case scenario.

Think about moving items to protect them, what documents, medication, and clothes you’d need to grab if you must evacuate and where you could take your family and pets to safety.

Power cuts

Power cuts can happen for many different reasons in an emergency, so it’s worth thinking about how you would manage during a power cut.

Sign up for help

Electricity North West has an Extra Care Register to make sure those who need extra help get support if the power goes off for any reason.

It’s free and simple to register and they can also alert the gas and water companies, so if their supplies are disrupted, you’ll get extra help from them too.  

You're eligible to join the Extra Care register if you:

  • have reached your state pension age
  • are disabled or have a long-term medical condition
  • are recovering from an injury
  • have a hearing or sight condition
  • have a mental health condition
  • are pregnant or have young children
  • have extra communication needs (such as if you don’t speak or read English well)
  • need to use medical equipment that requires a power supply
  • have poor or no sense of smell
  • would struggle to answer the door or get help in an emergency.

You may still be able to register for other reasons if your situation isn’t listed - for example, if you need short-term support after a stay in hospital. 

Lighting

It’s safer to use LED candles or wind up/battery powered torches than traditional candles. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has essential safety tips if you use traditional candles.

They also have general fire safety tips and fire safety leaflets in other languages.

Mobile devices

If advance warning of a power cut is given, make sure your phones and other devices are fully charged. A battery powered charger or power bank can also be useful to provide additional charging for your devices.

Keeping warm

Should you need to leave your home, or the heating stops working, you can help keep warm by:

  • wearing plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one
  • putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside
  • wearing clothes made of wool or fleecy synthetic fibres (cotton is only effective if the garment stays dry)
  • wearing bed socks and thermal underwear at night

Eating and drinking

If you know a power cut is coming, use thermos flasks to keep hot drinks, hot soup and hot water ready. If you rely on electricity for cooking, think about tinned or other food you can eat without needing to cook.

Keeping in touch

A battery powered radio can be useful for the latest news information updates. If you still have internet access, you can also follow us on X at @OldhamCouncil and on Facebook at I Love Oldham for the latest borough updates.

Problems with your water pipes?

See our dedicated page. It also includes details of the United Utilities Priority Services scheme, offering additional support for customers who are elderly, in ill health, have a disability or mental health problems and those customers who may have financial worries or language barriers.

Pets

The useful advice found here can help you plan for how to prepare your pets for natural disasters, what to do/bring for them in various scenarios.

Emergency Kit

Have an emergency kit ready in your home and car, as you would a first aid box.

Include items such as:

  • Battery powered or wind-up torch
  • Lamp
  • Radio
  • Batteries
  • High-energy food
  • Bottled water
  • Warm clothes
  • Pet food and pet care items (if required)
  • Power bank and phone charging cables
  • Medication

Have the phone numbers of your local emergency services, council, utility companies, and family members readily available.

Make sure you know where the main switches are for electricity and gas, and that you know where the stop taps are located for water in your home. If you must evacuate, don't forget to turn them off before leaving.