Life's not always predictable ...
Let's get ready for the unexpected

Important events in our lives usually take a bit of planning. Whether it's a special birthday celebration or anniversary, even the office Christmas party, we like to have some time to prepare.

If things don't go as smoothly as expected, we'll look back and wish we'd put in more preparation ....
But sometimes events which have a big impact on our lives happen without any or with very little warning - like last summer's floods. Within hours, thousands of people's lives changed dramatically.
Perhaps in the past we've thought emergencies like this wouldn't happen to us – they are things we see on TV happening to other people in other countries.
What we do know is that even if we can't stop an emergency - planning and preparing could make a really big difference to us and our families.
The emergency services – police, fire and ambulance - deal with a range of different incidents every day of the year. But when a major emergency is called, they may need support from other organisations. In such a situation those who could be involved include:

• East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire Councils.
• Humber Emergency Planning Service (HEPS)
• Environment Agency
• Maritime and Coastguard Agency
• The wider 'health family', including the Hull Teaching Primary Care Trust, the Strategic Health Authority, Health Protection Agency and hospitals.

As well as having plans ready which can be put into action swiftly, the councils, emergency services and the other organisations, regularly train and practice – so we can be as ready as possible.

We want you to be ready too........
And we want to help you with your own preparations.

How ready do you think you are?

Have you done anything to prepare for the unexpected?

Don't worry if you haven't, this article is just the start of lots of help and advice we're going to give to get you ready. Read on .....
To start you off, we will be delivering a simple, step by step guide through your door. Packed with help and advice, we hope you'll find it useful to prepare you and your family.

Four steps to help you prepare:

1. Develop your own household emergency plan. Look at how you and your family can prepare - for instance decide how you would keep in contact, make sure you have essential supplies etc. Once you have your plan, talk it through between you to make sure everyone knows what to do.
2. Produce your own emergency contact list. If there was an emergency it would be really useful to have all important phone numbers for people you need to reach, stored in one place.
3. Pack a "go bag" - for a swift exit. Have all the basic necessities to hand. Either pack them in advance -things like keys and cash, spare clothes, medication, important documents and so on, or create a check list. Our booklet will give you more advice on what you'd need to pack.
4. Tune in to your local radio station. All emergencies are different. Sometimes it may be right to go inside and stay there – at other times it may be safer to leave your home. By tuning in, we'll be able to keep you up to date with facts and instructions to help you.

We'll be doing lots of other things to raise awareness of the importance of being prepared.
Hull City Council, the emergency services and the other agencies we work with, held the first of a series of events at this year's Lord Mayor's Gala. Many of you who went along may have joined in.
But don't worry if you missed it – there will be lots more events where we will be sharing information with residents of all ages – including the younger ones.
If you were at the gala, you may have spotted our colourful "characters" who were keen to get you involved. You'll see more of them featured on leaflets and posters spreading the word.
Here in Hull in Print, you'll find regular features and interesting articles. And we'll be keeping you updated on the council website (www.hullcc.gov.uk). Plus we'll be introducing a regular 'Let's Get Ready' enewsletter with more top tips.
To register for this new quarterly enewsletter email hullinprint@hullcc.gov.uk and ask to be included on our emailing list.
You won't miss out if you don't have a pc at home as we'll include information in Hull in Print, or you can go on-line at any of our Customer Service Centres.

Top tip

Find out if you can register for Floodline Warnings Direct, a free service that provides flood warnings direct to you by telephone, mobile, fax or pager. You'll also get practical advice on preparing for a flood, and what to do if one happens. Phone Floodline 0845 9881188

What sort of emergency might affect us?

Where do you begin to plan for an unexpected emergency – what can you do today when you've no idea what might happen or when?
The council, emergency services and our other partners have general plans in place already for a range of situations such as industrial accidents, major loss of power, transport accidents and incidents that could result in environmental pollution.
But as well as those plans, we have worked together to decide which are the top three things most likely to affect us in Hull.
And we've agreed they are flooding, other types of severe weather - like gales, snow, ice and fog or heat waves - and the third is pandemic flu.
We have plans ready for these too. But you need to think about what you can do to minimise any risks you and your family would face in these situations.
For example there are lots of things which will protect you from getting flu and from passing it on. They are simple and inexpensive, like remembering to wash your hands frequently, don't touch your mouth, eyes or nose until you have done so, and always use a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
In extreme weather you need to be sensible and consider whether journeys are really necessary – or could they wait. If you do decide you must go, plan ahead. Drive to suit the weather conditions (slow down, take extra care) and make sure you take basic items in case of delays or problems, like a blanket, snacks and water.
Flooding is still fresh in all our minds after last summer. This was a natural disaster on a scale we have never experienced before and the council, emergency services and the other agencies were quick to respond. The first priority was making sure people were safe and well. And then the massive recovery and clean-up began.....
As well as the work undertaken by the council and the other organisations there are long term preparations residents can undertake to protect and safeguard homes and possessions against flooding – should it ever happen again. Like following flood advice if you are having any building work done, making sure gutters are clean and clear and keeping watercourses in your garden free from blockages.
These ideas may seem obvious when you stop and think – but they could make a big difference if any of these emergencies happen in Hull.