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Information on planning for emergencies
Information correct as at September 2025
Planning ahead in case of an emergency can be reassuring. With the increased use of technology, you can have a wealth of information and advice at your fingertips to help you feel prepared.
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We advise all Carers to create an emergency plan - for you and for the person you look after. Having a plan in place can help ease your worries if you are not able to care for the person you look after at any point in the future.
You may be able to arrange help and support from family and friends, but it can be reassuring to have the involvement of your local authority in case informal arrangements fall through.
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Contents
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​​​If you have problems accessing or find any of the information requires updating, please contact us.​
Contingency planning
It's helpful to have a plan of what to do if someone you support needs to go to hospital.
Carers UK has helpful advice on contingency planning, including preparing a bag for a hospital visit.
Mobilise also has helpful information about on Emergency Planning for Carers.
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Sutton Council - How to request Emergency support for Carers. Have you had a Carers Assessment? If not, get in touch with LBS social services or contact us to make a referral.
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Emergency planning
It is a good idea to give copies of emergency plans to close family or friends, as well as having a plan to hand at home if needed, e.g. in a packed bag ready for an emergency. You can also alert professionals e.g. ambulance staff by putting a notice somewhere obvious in both of your homes (e.g. on the fridge door or near the front door) telling them where your emergency information is stored.
Lions Message in a Bottle are available from Sutton Carers Centre to contact vital information for emergency and other services.
Carers UK have more information on planning for emergencies and also recommend their Jointly App for sharing information with family members.
Some people also like to put information on their phone e.g. on the home screen which someone could see without needing to unlock the phone.
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You might also find it helpful to carry with you a letter “To whom it may concern” showing that you are a Carer registered with Sutton Carers Centre.
Another option is a sunflower lanyard or badge to show that you are a Carer (see other options on Carers cards).
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Confidence as a first responder
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​First Aid - The Red Cross First Aid App is a useful resource to keep on your phone. It includes short quizzes to test your First Aid knowledge. Hopefully it will never be needed, but it’s good to be ready and know what to do if you or someone you support has an accident.
Also, look out for first aid courses which may be held locally or let us know if you are interested, as we often run useful and practical sessions at SCC.
Defibrillators - Knowing the location of the nearest defibrillator can save a life in an emergency. The British Heart Foundation gives advice on using a defibrillator and has a national map of locations.
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Getting help faster
When it’s hard to describe where you are in an emergency, you only need to read out three words for 999 to know exactly where to find the incident. what3words enables you to identify a location (anywhere in the world) within a 3m square with a unique 3 word address.
It means everywhere can be located with just three words, e.g. wide.violin.chemistry identifies the pavement directly outside of our Benhill Avenue address.
what3words is available as a free app for iOS and Android and online map at map.what3words.com. You can find out more about what3words here.
