Pay
Report
Apply
It looks like you're using IE11...
This browser offers limited functionality on our website. We recommend you use the latest version of Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.
In the event of a major emergency, we can help in different ways.
We are a member of the Belfast Emergency Preparedness Group (previously Belfast Resilience Forum), which brings together over 65 different organisations who work together to plan how to help the public in an emergency.
In the event of a serious emergency such as a serious chemical spillage, a fatal accident in a workplace or a dangerous building that is likely to collapse, report to us:
In a major emergency, it may be some time before the emergency services can help you.
The household emergency life-saving plan gives you a list of useful contact numbers in an emergency and also tells you what you should have in your household emergency pack. To download the household emergency life-saving plan, go to nidirect (link opens in new window). Keep your completed plan where you can easily find it in an emergency.
If there's an emergency, remember to:
If there is a fire or other danger in your building, quickly and calmly leave by the nearest safe route and move to a safe location away from the building. Do not try to return until the emergency services tell you it is safe to do so.
If you experience flooding, call the Flooding Incident Line on 03002 000 100.
If you are a private homeowner and have been affected by flooding you may be eligible to apply for £1,000 immediate payment under the Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance (SEFA). More information can be found Flooding scheme | Department for Communities
Through the Discretionary Support Scheme, you may be able to get financial help towards short-term living expenses or household items.
To assess your eligibility or for further information, visit Finance Support | nidirect
In 2014, the Knock River was diverted within Orangefield Park as a key component of the Connswater Community Greenway and East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme.
As a result, areas adjacent to the new river pathway within the park are designed to flood at times of increased rainfall which protects many homes within the area from flooding.
Park signage lets park visitors know about potential dangers if there is heavy flooding and advise of another route so that you can safely bypass the flooding.
The pathway is illuminated at all times. If heavy flooding occurs in a particular section, we may close it for a period and reopen when it is safe to do so.
If your power has been affected by a storm or other weather event, call NIE on 03457 643 643.
You can keep up to date with winter weather forecasts from the Met Office NI (link opens in new window).
You can get up-to-date traffic and roads information from Traffic Watch NI (link opens in new window).
You can also find the latest information about bus and rail services from Translink (link opens in new window).
You can report an issue with snow or ice on a public road or street (link opens in new window) on nidirect.
You can also report an issue with ice or snow on a road by emailing or calling (for emergencies only) the Department for Infrastructure (link opens in new window).
Our seniors section has more information on staying warm in winter including
If you or someone in your family relies on electricity or water due to a medical condition, you should sign up to the NI Electricity or NI Water critical care registers.
Find out more on who is eligible and how to register:
Employers have a responsibility for the safety and security of their employees. All businesses should have arrangements in place to deal with the impact of a major incident or disaster.
Belfast Emergency Preparedness Group and its members regularly deliver business continuity events for local businesses.
If you would like to attend one of our events, email [email protected].
All schools have plans to deal with local emergencies such as fire and flooding. Make sure you find out in advance what your school’s emergency arrangements are. It is also useful to plan who you will ask to collect your children from school in an emergency if you are unable to do so.
The Regional Community Resilience Group was set up in 2013 to help local communities across Northern Ireland prepare and respond to weather related emergencies.
There are over 40 groups now dealing with the impact of severe weather and climate change in their areas.
You can read the latest edition of the Regional Community Resilience Group (RCRG) Newsletter (link opens in new window) on the Department for Infrastructure.
In an emergency, friends, neighbours and members of the local community often work together to help each other. Some communities have started to develop their own community emergency plan for their area.
If you are thinking about starting a community emergency plan in your area, email [email protected] for more information.
Read aloud