Evacuation checklist UK: documents, medication and what to do first

Quick checklist

When you might be asked to leave

You may be asked to leave your home for a flood, a fire nearby, a gas leak or another incident that makes the area unsafe. It is usually for a short time. The police, fire service or your council will tell you what to do and where to go, and they know more about the situation than any list.

Follow their instructions first. This list is for the time you have after they ask. Our grab bag list and guide to how to pack a grab bag cover the bag. This guide covers the decisions and papers.

Evacuation checklist UK: what to take, in order

If you have only a few minutes, take things in this order.

1. People. Make sure everyone is out, including anyone who needs help with mobility.
2. Pets. Take them in a carrier or on a lead. See our pet emergency kit guide.
3. Medicines. The ones you use every day, with a written list.
4. Phone and charger. A head torch (Retailer link coming soon) and a power bank help if you leave in the dark.
5. Keys, wallet and bank card.
6. Papers. The folder or pouch you prepared.
7. Warm clothes and a coat. Extra layers matter more than a spare outfit.

If there is a fire or a gas leak, get out first and call from outside. Do not go back for anything.

Documents to take

Keep these together in one place, such as a document wallet with dividers (Retailer link coming soon), so you can pick them up in a few seconds:

• Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
• Proof of address, such as a utility bill or tenancy agreement
• Insurance details, with the policy number and a phone number
• Bank and card contact numbers
• A list of key phone numbers on paper
• Medical information, such as your NHS number and a list of conditions and allergies
• Your pet's vet and vaccination details, if you have a pet

A waterproof document pouch (Retailer link coming soon) protects copies. For originals you could not easily replace, a fire- and water-resistant document bag (Retailer link coming soon) gives more protection, at a higher price. Our guide to important documents to keep safe lists more.

For digital copies, an encrypted USB drive (Retailer link coming soon) can hold scans of your papers. Check that the encryption is turned on, because many drives are not encrypted by default, and keep the password somewhere other than the drive. A second copy in a password-protected cloud folder is a sensible back-up.

Medication checklist

Speak to your GP or pharmacist about how best to keep your medicines organised. Do not stockpile beyond what a clinician agrees.

• Keep a written list of each medicine, what it is for and who prescribed it. Update it when something changes.
• Keep medicines in their original packaging, with the label on.
• Ask your pharmacy how far ahead to order repeat prescriptions, and order in good time, so you are rarely down to the last day.
• Know where your medicines are kept, so you can pick them up quickly.
• If you use a fridge-stored medicine, a pen or a device, ask your pharmacist or clinic what to do if you have to leave.
• Keep any medical alert card or bracelet with you.

Do not guess at doses. If you are unsure, call NHS 111 for advice. For an emergency, call 999.

Carers, mobility and extra needs

If you care for someone, or someone cares for you, include them in the plan. Tell your carer or family where you would go and how to reach you. If you use a wheelchair, walker or hearing aid, put charging leads and spare batteries on your list. If you need help to leave, tell your council and ask what support is available. Ask your energy company about the Priority Services Register at thepsr.co.uk. It is free to join and may help with extra support (check with your provider what it offers).

If you are caring for a child, tuck a familiar toy or book in the bag and write down their medical details. Our guide to a family emergency communication plan helps you agree who calls whom.

Where to go and who to tell

Think now about where you would go if you could not stay home. A friend or relative nearby is the best choice, and a hotel or other place to stay is another. Your council may open a rest centre if many people have to leave, but it will tell you where. Do not wait for one if you have somewhere safe to go.

Tell someone where you are going, by phone or text. If the mobile network is busy, a text often gets through when a call does not. Tell them if you change plans. Write the details on a card with your phone number too.

Turning things off: only if you are told, and only if it is safe

If the emergency services or your supplier tell you to turn off your gas, water or electricity, do so only if it is safe and you know how. Do not turn anything off if there is water near electrics, or if you smell gas and are not sure. Leave and call from outside. Our guide to your home shut-offs shows how to find them.

Do this today (free)

1. Put your papers in one folder or pouch and put it in a known place.
2. Write a list of your medicines and keep a copy with them.
3. Decide where you would go, and tell one person.
4. Photograph your key papers and keep the photos in an encrypted back-up.
5. Check your phone number card is up to date.

If you have £10, £25 or £50

These are budgets, not quotes. Check the current price first.

• About £10: a document wallet and a pen and card for your phone numbers.
• About £25: add a waterproof pouch and a head torch.
• About £50: add an encrypted USB drive and a fire- and water-resistant document bag.

Sources and further reading

• Be ready for emergencies: checklist and household plan
• Check your long term flood risk (GOV.UK)
• Get flood warnings (GOV.UK)
• nidirect: flooding (Northern Ireland)
• NHS: prescriptions and pharmacies