A CLEAR plan leaflet and video for emergencies is launched

A new video and leaflet to help people prepare for an emergency is being launched this week.

The leaflet and video are part of a campaign by the Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Resilience Forum (LRF) to make sure that people know the steps that they can take to ensure they are better prepared during an emergency.

Both the video and the leaflet encourage people to stay safe and have a CLEAR plan, with five easy steps to follow.

They include:

Checking the radio, television, social media or internet for Met Office severe weather warnings and news that warn if an emergency is likely to occur.

Keeping a List of important numbers and details (such as insurance policy numbers and medication) to hand.

Having an Emergency bag prepared with items that would help in such circumstances

and knowing how and when to Act, should the worst happen

all resulting in people being able to Recover better.

The video and leaflet are both available online at www.dcisprepared.org.uk.

"No one expects to find themselves in an emergency situation but thinking about what you would do and talking it through with your friends, family or those you live with can help you to cope much better if you do," said Paul Netherton, chairman of the LRF and assistant chief constable for Devon and Cornwall Police.

Councillor Rachel Sutton, of Exeter City Council, said: "During the recent flooding that so badly affected the region we have seen how taking a few simple steps to prepare for an emergency can really make a difference to how people are affected and how quickly they recover."

Charles Richards, from the Cornwall Community Flood Forum, added: "It is so important that we all plan ahead and become better prepared for emergencies.  I welcome any initiative, such as this, that helps to raise awareness.  Both the video and leaflet outline simple and inexpensive steps to become better prepared and are essential viewing for anyone living or working in an area at risk of flooding.  The great thing about the video is that it is relevant to the whole family and has something for everyone.  It takes just three minutes to watch from beginning to end which is time well spent if it helps you to support your family or neighbours during and after an emergency."

The recent floods have provided hard hitting examples of the benefits of being prepared but the campaign is not limited to helping those who could be affected by flooding improve their resilience.

ACC Netherton added: "We are talking about any emergency situation that could cause people to either be confined to their homes or kept out of them for a number of days. It could be a weather related emergency like snow or flooding but it could just as easily be an environmental emergency, like dangerous emissions from a factory fire, or power shortage."

The campaign is being supported with a competition for anyone living in Devon, Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly under the age of 18.  Based on the steps in the leaflet and video they are being asked to share their ideas on how to encourage people to prepare for an emergency using photographs or short films.

Schools throughout the counties are being written to about the competition and details on how to enter are available on the LRF website along with the prizes. The winning entries will be shown on the LRF website.

The video was produced with the help of young actors from Plymkids theatre school in Plymouth.