What to do in an general emergency

• If there is an emergency, remain calm and try to reassure others.
• If there are injuries, check and treat yours first so you are then able to help others.
• Check on family members to ensure they are safe. Then check neighbours, especially the elderly and those who might be have mobility problems or who live alone.
• It is best to use a landline telephone to call family and neighbors, as mobile telephone networks may be congested.
• Follow the directions and advice of the police, fire brigade or emergency service workers.
• Listen to the radio, watch your television, or check the Internet for information about the situation.
• If you are left without light and power, use battery operated torches to check for damage. Do not light matches or candles as there could be gas leaks.
• If you smell escaping gas, turn off the main shut-off valve and move everyone out and away from the building.
• Secure pets inside to keep them safe.

Bombs

General advice

Most bomb threats are hoaxes designed to cause disruption to normal day-to-day business activities. Nevertheless, they must be taken seriously.

The most common form of a threat is by telephone. Experience shows that most warnings are telephoned, claiming a bomb has placed in a building.

If you receive such a threat, the more information that you are able to obtain from the caller, the better chance the police have to track-down and arrest the perpetrator. The first thing to remember is to remain calm, do not hang up, and ask the caller the following questions, then report the incident immediately to your supervisor and police.

If a bomb is found

If you find what appears to be a bomb, do not under touch it or try to remove it. Leave it undisturbed and clear the surrounding area of all people, and report the incident immediately to your supervisor and fire warden.

What to do if a bomb explodes

Should a bomb detonate at any stage during a bomb threat, immediately evacuate the area and implement your building's emergency evacuation procedures. Remain calm and try to reassure others. If there are injuries, check and treat yours first so you are then able to help others.

• Protect yourself from flying or falling debris.
• If the building you are in is damaged by the bomb or blast, do not panic and move to an open space or protected area as quickly and safely as possible. If at work or in a public building, follow your fire warden's instructions and evacuation plan.
• Be mindful not to form or join a crowd as there may be other bombs in the area designed to injure evacuees.
• Avoid assembling near or around tall buildings, glass windows, and parked vehicles.
• Follow the directions and advice of the police, fire brigade or emergency service workers.
• Contact the police immediately if you observe some suspicious behavior before or after the explosion.

If You Receive a Suspicious Package

• Do not open it.
• Leave it alone and immediately clear the area.
• Once away from the package, call the Police.
• Wait in a safe place until emergency services arrive and follow their instructions.

What can I do if I am caught in a fire?

If you are caught in a fire, and it is safe to do so:

• Switch off electrical equipment in the room you are in;
• Close any open windows or doors;
• Leave the building by the shortest possible route; and
• Do not use the lifts.
• If there is smoke or fire visible:
•  Stay low to the floor, as smoke and heat rises; and
• Check doors before opening them - if they feel hot there may be fire on the other side.
• Follow the directions of your building's Fire Warden, Security Officer or Fire Brigade who might be in attendance;
• Proceed to the Assembly Area designated for the building as per your evacuation plan;
• Wait for further directions from your building's Fire Warden, Security Officer, or Fire Brigade;
• Do not re-enter the building until given the all-clear by your Fire Warden or Security Officer; and
• Never enter a building if a fire alarm is sounding.