Get Prepared

1. Be Informed

The first step to being prepared is understanding what hazards could affect Gibraltar and staying informed about official warnings and guidance.

Sign up for alerts

• Follow HM Government of Gibraltar on Facebook, Instagram, X and WhatsApp for official emergency updates.
• Follow the Royal Gibraltar Police on Facebook, Instagram, X and WhatsApp for public safety information.
• Tune in to GBC Radio 91.3 FM / 1458 AM — Gibraltar's primary emergency broadcast station. In a major emergency, turn on your radio for official information.
• Monitor the Alerts & Warnings page on this site for hazard guidance.

Know your risks

• Read the Hazards section of this site to understand threats relevant to Gibraltar, including flooding, extreme heat, wildfires and power cuts.
• Consider whether you or anyone in your household is especially vulnerable to any particular hazard.
• Learn basic first aid — the GHA and St John Ambulance Gibraltar offer courses regularly.

2. Make a Plan

A household emergency plan means everyone in your home knows what to do if something goes wrong. You don't need to plan for every scenario — a simple, flexible plan goes a long way.

Your household emergency plan should include:

• Communication plan: How will family members contact each other? Agree on a meeting point if you can't reach home.
• Evacuation routes: Know how to leave your home safely, especially if you live in a flat. Identify at least two exit routes.
• ICE contacts: Save at least two "In Case of Emergency" contacts on your mobile phone. Tell them they are listed.
• Meeting points: Agree on two locations — one near your home (e.g. outside your building) and one further away (e.g. at a relative's home).
• Special needs: Consider the needs of elderly relatives, children, and anyone with a disability or medical condition.
• Pets: Make arrangements for pets in advance — know your nearest pet-friendly shelter option.

Download and complete the plan

Use our free Household Emergency Plan template to fill in the details for your family. Keep a printed copy at home and share it with a trusted neighbour.

3. Prepare Your Home

A few practical steps at home can make a significant difference in an emergency.

Fire safety

• Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home. Test them monthly.
• Install a carbon monoxide detector near gas appliances.
• Know where your fire extinguisher is and how to use it.
• Have a fire escape plan for your household — practice it.
• Contact the Gibraltar Fire & Rescue Service on 200 79507 for home fire safety advice.

Utilities

• Know where your gas, water and electricity shut-off points are.
• Know how to turn off the water supply at the stopcock.
• Know how to reset your fuse box safely.
• Keep Gibelec's number (200 75957) and AquaGib's number (200 41288) saved in your phone.

Insurance and documents

• Ensure your home and contents insurance is up to date and covers storm, flood and fire damage.
• Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance policies, prescriptions) in a waterproof folder or stored securely online.

Flood protection

• If you live in a flood-prone area, consider flood barriers or sandbags.
• Raise electrical sockets above anticipated flood level where possible.
• Know your nearest evacuation point.

4. Talk to Others

Community resilience is one of the most powerful tools we have in an emergency. Gibraltar's close-knit community is one of its greatest strengths.

Know your neighbours

• Introduce yourself to neighbours — especially if you are new to the area.
• Find out if any neighbours are elderly, disabled, or live alone — they may need extra support in an emergency.
• Agree to check on each other in an emergency.

Vulnerable people

• Register vulnerable relatives or neighbours with Gibelec's priority services register so they are prioritised in a power cut.
• Make sure carers and support workers know the household emergency plan.
• See the Vulnerable Persons guidance for more information.

5. Your Emergency Kit (Grab Bag)

An emergency grab bag is a bag kept ready to go at short notice, containing everything you need for the first 72 hours away from home. Store it in an accessible place and check it every six months.

Essential grab bag contents

• Water: At least 2 litres per person per day (enough for three days). Include purification tablets as backup.
• Food: Non-perishable items such as tinned food, energy bars, dried fruit and nuts. Include a can opener.
• Torch and batteries: A wind-up or battery-powered torch. Consider a headtorch for hands-free use.
• Battery-powered or wind-up radio: To receive GBC Radio broadcasts (91.3 FM / 1458 AM) without power.
• Important documents: Copies of passports, driving licences, insurance documents, prescriptions, and contact lists in a waterproof bag.
• Medications: A minimum three-day supply of any essential prescription medications. Include a basic first aid kit.
• Cash: A small amount of cash in small denominations (card machines may not work in a power cut).
• Phone charger: A portable power bank fully charged. Include a USB charger and your device's charging cable.
• Warm clothing: A change of clothes, sturdy footwear, and a warm layer for each person.
• First aid kit: Plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relief and any personal medical items.

Additional items for Gibraltar

• Sunscreen and a hat (critical in summer heatwaves).
• A dust mask or face covering.
• Bottled water reserves at home (additional to the grab bag) — Gibraltar's supply can be interrupted during incidents.
• A whistle to signal for help if trapped.