Children, older people and pets

Be Ready's hazard pages name the same groups as most at risk: babies and young children, older adults, people with long-term conditions, and people who live alone.

Babies

The checklist has two baby lines: baby formula, and nappies and wipes. Ready-made or ready-to-feed formula is best, because you may not be able to boil water to make up powdered formula safely. Powdered formula is not sterile and should only be made up with freshly boiled water. The full advice on using bottled water for formula in an emergency, including the sodium and sulphate limits, is on the water page with the NHS link.

Any household with children aged five or under is eligible for the Priority Services Register at thepsr.co.uk; see the Priority Services Register.

Children

Talk to children about what to do in an emergency, including how and when to call 999. Help them learn their home address and, if possible, a parent's mobile number, and practise regularly. The Staywise website at https://staywise.co.uk/ has resources for children. Check the school or childcare provider has your correct contact numbers; Be Ready says schools should have plans for severe weather, loss of utilities and fire. When a storm is forecast, check whether schools are planning to close and arrange childcare.

On fire, Be Ready asks you to teach children how to prevent a fire and what to do if there is one, to let them hear the smoke alarm during the monthly test, and to practise stop, drop and roll.

In hot weather, never leave babies, children, older adults or pets alone in a stationary car or other closed space.

Older people and anyone who lives alone

Be Ready's plan is a visit, not a call. Agree with anyone who might need extra support, particularly if they live alone, that if an outage happens and you cannot phone, you or another trusted person will go round. Speak to their neighbours and agree that they will check too. Ask your own neighbours whether they have additional needs: medical needs, being new to the area, not being able to use technology well, or not speaking or reading English well.

In cold weather, older adults are most likely to become ill if they get too cold. Check that people at higher risk are following the keeping-warm advice, and offer practical help such as collecting food or medication. If you are worried about someone's health, contact a pharmacist, a GP or NHS 111. Anyone of pensionable age, or with a health condition or reduced mobility, qualifies for the Priority Services Register.

Carers

Be Ready's carers advice: keep a list of emergency contacts, ask the local council about a carer's card so the emergency services know someone depends on you, and make arrangements to contact the person you care for. If it is dangerous for you to visit or you cannot reach them, call the emergency services and tell them someone who relies on you may be at risk.

Pets and assistance animals

The checklist asks for pet food and bottled water for pets. The water outage page counts pets among the extra uses of water beyond three litres a person.

For an assistance animal, Be Ready suggests a grab bag containing important documents and veterinary records, food and water, a lead or harness, medicines, toys and blankets, and that the animal wears a collar with an identification tag or is microchipped where required. Give your carer the contact details of the assistance animal organisation, the vet and local kennels.