Emergencies

Emergency planning

Preston is a safe place to live, work and study. However, it is important to recognise emergencies can occur at any time. The key to cope and sort these emergencies is to be ready for them so you know what to do and who to contact if an emergency occurs.

In the case of an emergency once it has been reported the Police will initiate the emergency response arrangements. Then other non emergency agencies including the council will be contacted if they are required.

In the case of an evacuation, the council has identified a number of buildings that can be used as rest centres for people who may have nowhere else to go. We carry out regular exercises to ensure that our staff working at these centres are fully trained and that the centres themselves can be brought into use quickly and easily.

You can also download our Preparing for emergencies in Lancashire (PDF) [4MB] booklet.

Emergency contacts

If something is an emergency and requires an immediate response then contact the emergency services on 999.

Emergency services

999 - is the number to contact if you require an immediate response.

66247 - is a text service for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired.

Text details

Your message must start with Fire if you need the fire services
Your message must start with Police if you need the police services
Your message must also include:
- Your name
- Where you are (e.g. (Street name, town or motorway junction)
- Details of the emergency
Then leave your phone switched on, you will receive a reply from the control room that your message has been received (they may ask further questions).