News

09 January 2017

He Who Fails to Plan, Plans to Fail

By Steve Bray

Emergency plans aren't just for businesses and organisations.

Given that the current threat level for international terrorism in the UK is SEVERE which means an attack is highly likely; we believe that individuals and families should also have their own plans in place.

None of us know how we would react if we were to find ourselves in the middle of such an incident, and the odds of it actually happening to us as an individual are extremely unlikely. A little bit of prior planning, thought and observation could just make all the difference.

Plans don't have to be written, formal documents when it comes to your personal safety, and that of your family.

We all visit crowded public places, whether thats doing the family shopping at the weekend, an airport or train station when going on holiday or visiting friends, or even being on a school trip to our great capital city London.

Here are just a few useful pointers for you to consider as part of your personal plan:

Know where the emergency exits are
Remember that the safest exit may be through the rear of a shop, be guided by staff
Be aware of your surroundings, even in the car park
Know the locations of fire extinguishers, AEDs, first aid kits
Mentally prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan when in buildings such as night clubs and theatres
If visiting an unfamiliar building, take extra time to familiarise yourself with the layout
Report any suspicious activities
Do your best to stay calm during an emergency
Follow instructions from staff, security and the emergency services