Exercises · Households
Practise as a family, in 20 minutes
A family plan stays theoretical until it has been played out once. Three short drills, no equipment needed, for an evening or a weekend.
Three ready-to-run drills
Pick one, run it, then debrief together. This page is printable.
The meeting point
Goal. Check that everyone knows where to regroup if you must leave home.
How it runs
- Announce a scenario (e.g. “we have to leave now”).
- Everyone walks to the agreed meeting point.
- Check that everyone is there and note the time taken.
Debrief — the questions to ask
- Did everyone know the place?
- How long did it take?
- What to improve: route, people to help?
The power cut
Goal. Test the kit and your reflexes with no electricity, one evening, for an hour.
How it runs
- Switch off the mains, or pretend to.
- Use only the kit's torches and radio.
- Find the list of useful numbers and prepare a no-cook meal.
Debrief — the questions to ask
- Was the kit accessible and complete?
- Were the batteries and power bank charged?
- What to add to the kit?
Sheltering indoors
Goal. Know how to shelter quickly in a toxic cloud or a storm.
How it runs
- On the signal, go to the chosen shelter room.
- Close doors, windows and vents; switch off air conditioning.
- Put on public-service radio and wait for the all-clear.
Debrief — the questions to ask
- Was the room suitable: few openings, a water point?
- How long did sheltering take?
- Who looks after children, vulnerable people, pets?