Published 22nd September 2022 by

If you are caring for a family member or friend, knowing you already have a plan for how you will manage in an emergency can help alleviate unnecessary stress.

Carers Matter Norfolk can support you with an emergency plan if something happens to you. This covers situations when you are unable to look after your loved one, such as sudden illness, unplanned admission to hospital, family emergency or you’ve had an accident or your car has broken down.

If you would like support with preparing an emergency plan with Norfolk County Council, please call us on 0800 083 1148 or email us at info@carersmatternorfolk.org.uk

However, there are other emergencies you might need to think about, for example, power cuts, water supply issues and equipment breakdown.

Risk to life

For all emergencies where there is a risk to life always dial 999 for an emergency response. If there is a fire in your home, have you thought about an evacuation plan?

Make a plan and share it with the person you care for.

Water supply

You can get extra support for issues with your water supply if you register with Anglian Water’s “Priority Services Register” which is Anglian Water’s priority services. Call 0800 232 1951 or visit anglianwater.co.uk/priority

It is free to sign up to Anglian Water’s priority services register and you can stay on it for as long as you like.

Once you are registered, Anglian Water will:

  • Inform you of any supply interruptions
  • Help you with meter readings
  • Help protect you against scams and bogus callers
  • Send bills in accessible formats

As a carer, you can also be added to their nominee scheme, so you can manage your family members or friend’s account for them. Anglian Water will get in touch with you directly to let you know about any interruptions to their water supply, and work with you to get them the help they need.

Anglian Water can also help you with discounted tariffs, assistance schemes and affordable payment plans especially if you are:

  • Going through life changes
  • If you need to use vital medical equipment
  • If you’re an expectant mother, or have a baby under 12 months old
  • If you have restricted mobility or a disability
  • If you have a serious or long-term illness
  • If you need mental health support
Anglian Water

Power cuts

You can receive extra support during a power cut if you register on the UK Power Networks’ Priority Services Register. You can call 0800 316 3105 or go to ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/ priority-services-register

You can receive extra support if:

  • You rely on medical equipment
  • You have refrigerated medicines
  • You have a serious or chronic illness
  • You have a disability
  • You or someone you care for is living with dementia
  • You are of pensionable age
  • You have children under five in your household