Types of emergencies and risks
Emergencies can happen at any time and in many different ways, from severe weather to power cuts or illness. While not all emergencies can be prevented, knowing the main risks and how to prepare for them can make a difference.
This page highlights the most common risks that could affect people in Swindon. Each section explains what the risk is, who may be most affected, and where you can find practical advice to help protect yourself, your family, and your community.
By planning ahead and knowing where to get support, you will be better prepared to cope with emergencies and recover more quickly.
Stay prepared and informed
See how you can build personal resilience before an emergency, including creating a grab bag and knowing who to contact, on our preparing yourself and others for an emergency page.
Remember, if you need urgent support, help is always available. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent situations.
For trusted updates and local information during an emergency, visit our staying informed in an emergency page.
Cold weather and snow
Cold weather can affect both your health and daily life. Staying warm can help prevent colds, flu, and more serious health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia, and depression.
If you drive, only make essential journeys in icy or snowy conditions. The Highway Code provides advice on driving safely in adverse weather.
Check in with friends and neighbours as some may need extra help with shopping or getting around if it snows.
For more detailed advice, visit our cold weather and snow page.
Fire
Most fires start accidentally, but the consequences can be devastating. Fires can damage homes, businesses, and infrastructure, and put lives at risk.
You can learn more on our fire page, which includes prevention tips and what to do before, during, and after a fire.
Flooding
Flooding can have a huge impact on vulnerable areas. You can check if your home is in a flood risk area and sign up for flood alerts on the government website.
For more information on flood prevention and what to do before, during, and after a flood, visit our flooding page.
Homelessness
Emergencies such as flooding, fire, or severe weather can sometimes leave people without a safe place to stay. If your home is affected or you are worried about losing your accommodation, help is available.
You can find advice and support on our homelessness pages.
Hot weather
Hot weather can be enjoyable, but extreme heat can cause health issues such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and overheating. Older people, young children, and those with health conditions are most at risk.
Stay aware of forecasts using the Met Office heat-health watch.
For more advice on how to prepare and stay safe, visit our hot weather page.
Infectious diseases
Infectious diseases are illnesses that can spread from person to person, or from animals and insects to humans. They include common conditions such as flu, norovirus, and salmonella.
You can help prevent infection by practising good hygiene, keeping vaccinations up to date, and staying home when you are unwell.
For more advice on how infections spread and how to protect yourself and others, visit our infectious diseases page.
Power cuts and utility shortages
Power, water, gas, phone, or internet outages can happen due to bad weather, accidents, or technical failures. Most are short-lived, but longer disruptions can be distressing. You can:
- call 105 for free advice and updates during a power cut
- check live power outage maps on the Scottish and Southern Energy website
- register with your suppliers for the Priority Services Register if you or someone in your home would be especially vulnerable during an outage
For more information, see our power cuts and utility shortages page.
Staying informed in an emergency
During any emergency, the safest thing to do is follow instructions from the emergency services. You can also keep updated through radio, TV, social media, and trusted websites.
For more information, visit our staying informed in an emergency page.
Storms
Severe storms can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding. They may cause damage to buildings, trees, and power cables, disrupt travel, and lead to service closures.
For advice on what to do before, during, and after a storm, visit our storms page.
Vulnerable people in emergencies
Some people may need extra support if power, water, or gas supplies are disrupted. The Priority Services Register lets utility companies know if you need additional help.
To find out more, visit our vulnerable people in emergencies page.
Winter preparedness
Winter often brings a combination of risks including snow, storms, and flooding. Preparing early can help keep you, your family, and your home safe and warm.
Find advice on our cold weather and snow, flooding, and storms pages.