Plan for the unexpected – join the Priority Services Register and create an In Case of Emergency plan

Published: 26 March 2026

Emergencies are rare but Surrey Prepared is encouraging residents to take a few simple, practical steps to plan for unexpected events such as power outages, severe weather, flooding or other local disruptions.

By creating an In Case of Emergency plan and joining the Priority Services Register (PSR)—a free service that helps utility companies provide extra support to those who may need it – residents can feel more confident that they are ready for the unexpected.

Are you eligible for the PSR?
The PSR is a free and confidential service offered by utility companies to ensure people who may need extra help are supported during power cuts, gas or water supply interruptions, and other
service disruptions.

You may be eligible if you:
• Use medical equipment that relies on electricity or water
• Are of pensionable age
• Live with children under the age of five
• Have a disability, sensory or mobility needs
• Are recovering from a serious illness
• Need communication support (e.g. sight or hearing loss)

Join the PSR

Check if you’re eligible and register on the PSR website or call your regional gas or electricity distributor:
• UK Power Networks: 0845 601 4516
• SSE Networks: 0800 294 3259 (some areas of Surrey)
• SGN

Create you household’s emergency plan

Use the In Case of Emergency form on our website and take a few minutes to talk with your household about:
• How to leave your home safely in case of fire or gas leak
• Where to meet if you can’t return home
• How to stay in touch with each other
• Who might need extra help - such as neighbours or relatives
• Make sure everyone knows what to do and where to find key items.

Prepare a grab bag

A grab bag can help if you need to leave home quickly or stay elsewhere for a short
time. You can build it gradually.

Include things like medication and essential documents like ID and insurance information, a first aid kit, a torch, a battery powered or wind-up radio, bottle water, baby food and some cash.

Use the information on the Surrey Prepared website to help you feel better prepared for emergencies, however rare. A little planning now can go along way:

• Check if you’re eligible and join the Priority Services Register
• Prepare your households In Case of Emergency Plan