Ready together
Preparing for a changing climate
Our climate is changing. Alongside cutting carbon, we need to prepare for extreme weather and the disruption it can bring.
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Community resilience means being ready, knowing where to find help and looking out for each other. Small steps at home and stronger connections with neighbours can make a big difference.
The top four climate risks for Surrey
What you can do to prepare
A few simple steps can help you and your household cope with emergencies. The UK Government’s Be Ready guidance recommends preparing for three days of disruption, allowing support to reach those most in need.
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Gather your essentials
Start with what you already have and build up supplies gradually:
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Water and food: Three days of drinking water and food that needs no cooking or refrigeration. Allow at least three litres of drinking water per person per day, plus extra for cooking and pets.
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Light and warmth: A torch, spare batteries, warm clothes and blankets.
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Communication: A charged power bank and a battery-powered or wind-up radio.
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Personal essentials: Medicines, hygiene products and supplies for babies or pets.
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Money and information: Some cash, copies of important documents and a paper list of key contacts.​
Make a household plan
Agree how you’ll stay in touch, where you’ll meet and what you’ll take if you need to leave home. Keep emergency contacts on paper and add an “In Case of Emergency” contact to your phone.
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Connect with your neighbours
Swap contact details and look out for anyone who may need extra help. A street WhatsApp group can be useful, but remember that some people will need a phone call or visit.
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Arrange extra support
If you or someone in your household may need additional help during power or water outages, ask your utility providers about their free Priority Services Registers.
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In an emergency: ZERO is not an emergency service.
If life is at risk, call 999. For flood advice, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188; for power cuts, call 105.
Flooding
Flooding can happen away from rivers, too. Heavy rain can overwhelm drains and cause surface water flooding.
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Prepare: Check your flood risk, sign up for warnings and plan how to protect your household, pets and important belongings.
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When flooding is forecast: Charge your phone, put flood protection in place and move valuables to higher ground if safe.
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During a flood: Never walk or drive through floodwater. Follow emergency services’ instructions.
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Afterwards: Contact your insurer and have affected electrics checked before switching them back on.
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Adverse Weather Conditions
Heatwaves, storms, snow and ice can affect our homes, health and travel. Preparing ahead helps keep everyone safer.
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Prepare: Check weather warnings and get your home ready for both heat and cold. HEAT’s free home energy surveys can help identify improvements.
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In hot weather: Shade sunny windows, drink water regularly and avoid the strongest midday sun.
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During storms: Secure loose outdoor items beforehand, stay indoors and keep away from fallen power lines.
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In snow and ice: Wear layers, keep warm and avoid unnecessary journeys.
Check on neighbours who may need extra support, especially people living alone.
Wildfires
Hot, dry weather increases the risk of fires on Surrey’s heaths, commons and woodlands. Help protect them by preventing fires from starting.
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Choose a picnic instead of a barbecue or campfire.
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Take litter home and extinguish cigarettes properly.
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Follow local restrictions and fire service advice.
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If you see a wildfire, move to safety and call 999, giving the exact location. Do not try to tackle it yourself.
Stay away from affected areas until authorities say it is safe to return.
Utilities Outages
Power, water, phone and internet services can be disrupted by extreme weather or equipment failures.
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Prepare: Keep drinking water, torches, a charged power bank and important phone numbers handy.
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Plan for extra needs: If you rely on medical equipment, a digital landline or a telecare alarm, ask your provider about backup arrangements.
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During an outage: Follow your provider’s updates and keep fridge and freezer doors closed.
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Stay safe: Never use barbecues, camping stoves or generators indoors.
Call 105 to report a power cut or contact your electricity network operator. Eligible households can join their utility providers’ free Priority Services Registers for extra support.
Questions & answers
What can I do to prepare for an emergency?
Start with a simple household plan. Write down important numbers, agree how you will contact each other and decide where to meet if you need to leave home.
Who can get extra support during an outage?
People with disabilities, health conditions, medical equipment or young children, and older people, may qualify for a Priority Services Register. Contact your electricity network operator and water company to check eligibility and register.
What should I keep in an emergency kit?
Aim for three days of essentials: drinking water, food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, a torch, batteries, warm clothing, hygiene supplies, a radio and a charged power bank. Include essential medicines, important documents and anything needed for babies or pets.
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Build your supplies gradually, starting with what you already have.
How can I help my neighbours?
Swap contact details and check whether anyone needs help preparing or accessing updates. Remember that some neighbours will need a phone call or a visit rather than an online message.
Where can I find warnings and updates?
Check Met Office weather warnings and Environment Agency flood updates. During utilities outages, follow updates from your provider.
Who should I contact in an emergency?
ZERO is not an emergency service.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For flood advice, call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. For power cuts, call 105.