Matthews household · Rowan House, Irthington, Carlisle, Cumbria CA6 · UK
5 adults + 1 small dog · Shelter-in-place first
Last updated: 27 Sep 2026 (Europe/London)
Calm, UK-realistic answers for the moment you need them. Read the full Matthews Household Emergency Guide for playbooks and kit lists. Household-specific facts marked FILL — write them in on a calm day; never invent.
How to use: Find the group that matches the problem. One calm adult reads aloud; another does the action. If life is at risk → 999 first, then this sheet.
Cross-refs: Guide §3 family plan · §4 numbers · §10 power · §11 flood · §12 snow · §13 Starlink/Anker · §16 medical · §20 recovery.
If anyone is unconscious, not breathing normally, has severe bleeding, chest pain, suspected stroke, major burn, trapped, or the building is on fire / collapsing / filling with smoke or flood water at the door — treat as life-threatening. Call 999. Do not wait for a second opinion from this guide.
One designated adult dials and stays on the line. Say: location (Rowan House, Irthington, near Carlisle, CA6 + exact postcode FILL), what is happening, how many people/dog, any hazards (gas, flood, power lines). Another adult starts evacuation or first aid. Do not all crowd the phone.
Keep trying. Use another mobile / network. Ask a neighbour. If voice fails, some areas support EmergencySMS (pre-register) — FILL whether anyone here is registered. Do not drive through flood or storm debris to “get signal” unless that is clearly safer than staying.
Get everyone and the dog out immediately. Use the nearest safe exit. Close doors behind you if you can without delay. Do not stop for grab bags, phones, or valuables. Meet at the outdoor meeting point (FILL — write in §3). Call 999 from outside or a neighbour’s phone. Do not go back in.
Yes — take the dog with you if you can do so without delaying exit. Lead/harness by the door helps. If the dog panics and you cannot catch them safely in seconds, get people out and tell the fire service the dog is still inside. Never re-enter for pets.
FILL (front gate / opposite verge / named landmark — agree and write in §3). Alternative if the first is unsafe: FILL.
Treat seriously. Alert everyone, investigate only if safe (no entering smoke-filled rooms). If smoke thickens, alarm sounds continuously, or you are unsure — leave and call 999.
Get everyone and the dog into fresh air outside immediately. Do not re-enter. Call 999 if anyone has headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or collapse. Tell the operator you suspect CO. Do not use suspected appliances until checked.
Do not turn electrical switches on or off, use phones inside, light matches, or operate doorbells. Get everyone and the dog out. Call the gas emergency line 0800 111 999 from outside. Shut off gas at the meter/valve only if you know how and it is safe — location: FILL (§3 / §17).
If water is approaching doors/thresholds, official Flood Warning or Severe Flood Warning is in force for your area, or emergency services advise leave — go early while roads are passable. Take grab bags, meds, documents, dog, phones. If water is already deep on the lane or you are cut off, do not drive or walk through flood water — move upstairs if that is the safer option and call 999 if life is at risk. Prefer leaving before water arrives when warnings allow.
People and dog upstairs or out via a dry route. Electrics: switch off at the consumer unit only if you can reach it dry and safely — never stand in water to touch electrics. Grab bags if within arm’s reach. Call 999 if trapped. Photograph later for insurance — survival first.
999 if life-threatening or seriously injured (as A1). 111 (NHS) for urgent medical advice when not an emergency. If unsure and it feels serious, call 999.
Get to a lockable room if you cannot leave safely; call 999. Do not confront. Non-emergency crime later: 101.
If structure seems unsafe, gas smell, or sparking cables — get out, call 999. If stable and no smell of gas: stay clear of damaged areas, call insurer when safe, do not climb on roofs. Watch for downed power lines — stay away, call 105 / 999.
Keep one phone on for 999/alerts (rotate). Others airplane mode + power banks (Anker 321 5,000mAh / 633 10,000mAh if on site). Charge from Anker stations only for priority devices.
FILL (name, number, relation). One adult texts them: “All safe at Rowan House” or “Leaving to [place]”. They relay to wider family so you are not answering everyone.
Short facts: who is accounted for (5 adults + dog), where you are, whether you need help, next check-in time. No long threads.
GOV.UK Emergency Alerts can push severe warnings to compatible mobiles in an area (severe weather, etc.). Keep phones on; do not rely on them alone — also use EA flood warnings, Met Office, and radio. More: gov.uk/alerts (when online).
Confirm C1000 is on site first (order confirmed; delivery not proven by email — FILL location). Typical pattern:
1. C1000 charged (mains or solar).
2. Place Mini outdoors with sky view (kickstand / pipe adapter).
3. Power Mini from C1000 AC outlet using the Starlink Mini PSU (or supported DC arrangement per Starlink/Anker manuals — follow the printed manuals; do not improvise cable hacks).
4. Boot → check messages/weather → power down or sleep when done to save energy.
Practice once on a calm day.
Same idea on the lighter station: C300 = 288Wh, 300W (600W surge). Use for short sessions. Confirm unit on site (FILL). Prefer C1000 for longer windows if available; keep C300 for grab/travel or phones.
Honest answer: only compute after you read C1000 Wh from the unit label (FILL) and measure Mini draw with a plug meter once (FILL watts). Runtime hours ≈ (usable Wh × 0.85) ÷ watts. Until those numbers are written here, assume short sessions only, not all-day streaming.
Same formula. Example only if you later measure Mini at e.g. 30–50W continuous: rough ballpark might be a few hours — do not treat any example as a promise. Write measured watts and a practice runtime: FILL.
Hardware can power up offline; internet needs an active Starlink account (Roam 10GB noted in email; Standby notices exist). Last known status: FILL. If paused/Standby, restore when you next have ordinary connectivity — or rely on radio + mobile.
FILL — do we have a working corded landline that does not need mains? Many modern phones need power/broadband. Do not assume.
Optional after safety is sorted. Prefer one out-of-area contact first. Avoid posting empty-house details publicly while evacuated.
Target ~45–48 L for 5 adults + small dog for ~3 days (about 2.5–3 L/adult/day + dog). Actual on site now: FILL litres / location.
Priority: drinking and essential hygiene. Adults ~2 L/day minimum in cool conditions (more if hot/hard work); dog smaller share. Use disposable crockery to cut washing. No unnecessary laundry. Track daily usage on paper.
Follow United Utilities advice for your supply. Typical UK boil notice: bring tap water to a rolling boil, then cool covered for drinking/cooking/brushing teeth; bottled/stored water is fine. Do not use unboiled tap for baby formula unless advice says otherwise. UU: 0345 672 3723.
Do not drink until UU advice clear. Use stored water. When told OK, run cold taps as instructed.
Treat as no running water until power returns or you have a safe manual/alternative plan. Stored water first. Location of stored water: FILL.
FSA rule of thumb: about 4 hours if the door stays shut. After that, check temperature / perishables; if in doubt, throw it out. Do not repeatedly open the door.
FSA estimates (doors shut): ~48 hours if full; ~24 hours if half full. Food with ice crystals may be refrozen; fully thawed high-risk food — usually bin. When unsure, discard. (Flood aftercare may use a conservative >24 h discard — see §20 / Ch.15.)
Perishables from the fridge first (while still cold), then freezer items you will cook/eat soon (outdoor cooking only if using camping stove — never indoors), then cupboard/no-cook stores.
Use the dog’s own food first (3–7 days target in kit). Do not feed cooked bones, chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, onions, or rich fatty scraps. Temporary plain cooked meat/veg only if you know it is safe for this dog — prefer buying proper food when possible. Vet advice: FILL number.
No. Use stored / boiled-and-cooled / known-safe water only.
Minimise. Bag waste if toilets fail (local advice varies). Hand sanitiser for hands when water is scarce. Details improvise calmly — health first.
FILL (essential if electric openers fail).
Layers, duvets, one warm room, hot drinks from a kettle only if you have safe power, or from an outdoor camping stove used outside. Hot water bottles filled safely. Never use BBQ, charcoal, petrol/diesel generator, or indoor-unrated gas heater inside or in an attached garage/conservatory.
Yes for the battery units themselves — LiFePO4 power stations do not produce CO when discharging. Keep vents clear; follow Anker manual. Combustion generators are the CO danger — different kit.
(1) Phones, radio, medical devices
(2) Short Starlink windows
(3) Lighting (LED)
(4) Fridge/freezer only if Wh budget allows after the above
Never try whole-house loads, immersion heaters, or electric ovens from C1000/C300.
Marketing lists 1800W (up to 2400W), LFP, 4× AC. Watt-hours: read the label — FILL Wh. Confirm unit physically present: FILL date/location.
288Wh LiFePO4; 300W rated (600W surge). Confirm on site: FILL.
Daylight, clear of snow, safe outdoor footing. Charge batteries by day even if you barely use power — top up whenever sun allows.
Charge from C1000/C300 USB/AC when stations have spare capacity. Nano II 65W wall charger needs mains. Priority: one communications phone.
Only outdoors, far from doors/windows, dry, never in garage. CO alarms still matter for the house. Not part of confirmed email gear — FILL if you own one.
Register Priority Services Register with energy & water if not already (FILL PSR status). Have backup power plan and tell 105/ENWL you are medically dependent when you report a cut.
No-cook food first. Outdoor camping stove outside only if you have one (FILL location/fuel). Never bring the stove indoors “just for a minute”.
Last resort — fire risk with dogs and drafts. Prefer LED torches/lanterns. Never leave lit candles unattended; keep clear of curtains/dog tails.
Turn appliances back on gradually. Check fridge/freezer temperatures before trusting food (see C6–C7 / H1). Recharge Anker stations and power banks fully. Note cut duration for insurance/PSR if relevant.
No — Cumberland Council does not distribute sandbags to householders. Arrange your own flood products in advance if EA risk warrants. What we have on site: FILL.
Do not drive through. Turn back or wait on high ground. If at home and water is rising, see A10–A11. Report life risk to 999; non-urgent road issues via council when safe (0300 373 3730 — verify).
Assume rural unclassified lanes near Irthington may wait. Shelter-in-place if home is safe. Clear only what you can safely; do not cut trees near power lines. Nearest gritted / primary route we use: FILL. Car kit: guide §18.
Delay non-essential travel. If you must: tell someone the route, keep phone charged, §18 kit in car, extra time. Prefer staying put.
Stay with the vehicle unless remaining is more dangerous. Clear snow from the exhaust before running the engine for heat; crack a window for fresh air (CO risk). Call for help. Hi-vis if you exit.
Lead on early; never let the dog swim flood water (contamination, currents, drains). Carry small dog through shallow dirty water only if unavoidable and safe for you — prefer avoid. Towel dry; clean paws.
Do not switch electrics on until checked by a qualified person. Assume contamination. Photograph damage. Call insurer. See §20 / section H.
Not automatically a full house flood. Watch EA messages and whether water is rising toward thresholds. Prepare sandbags/products if you have them; move cars if safe.
Agree mutual check-ins when safe to walk: FILL (who we check / who checks us).
FILL location. Grab-bag mini kit: FILL.
FILL. Aim for 7–14 days spare if GP/pharmacy allows. Take meds with you if evacuating.
FILL (asthma, stomach ulcer, kidney issues, late pregnancy, interactions, etc. — each adult completes §16 table). When unsure, prefer paracetamol only if appropriate for that person, or call 111.
FILL.
No. Never. No paracetamol, ibuprofen, or other human painkillers — they can kill pets. Vet meds only. Vet / out-of-hours: FILL.
Call 999 immediately. For known severe allergy with prescribed adrenaline auto-injector: use as trained, then 999.
FILL (and expiry dates).
If immediate danger to life: 999. Otherwise NHS 111, or Samaritans 116 123 (free). Keep warmth, water, and company; reduce noise and chaos.
Still treat seriously: fresh air outside, 999 if unwell. Possible sources: incomplete combustion appliances — do not hunt them while feeling ill.
Cool with running cool water 20 minutes if available; call 111/999 as severity warrants. Do not use butter/toothpaste. Protect with loose covering.
Layers, shared warm room, warm (not scalding) drinks if conscious, watch for confusion/shivering stopping. 999 if severe. Dog: dry bedding, not left on cold floors long.
FILL (near usual exit). In fire “empty-handed” mode: do not delay for bags.
Water, snacks, torch, power bank, documents pouch copy, meds, phone, warm/waterproof layer, hygiene, keys, cash, paper numbers, dog lead/food if that adult is carrying pet kit. Full list: guide §8.
Outdoor fire meeting point: FILL. Longer-term (friend/family/hotel): FILL. Tell out-of-area contact which one.
Lead/harness, food + bowl, water, waste bags, meds, towel/blanket, vaccination/microchip info, photo with owner, carrier if used. Microchip number: FILL.
FILL (waterproof pouch + cloud/USB if any). Insurer phone: FILL. Photograph damage before major clear-up when safe.
If time and safety allow: lock doors/windows, shut off utilities only if trained and safe (FILL who knows how). Do not delay escape for perfect lockdown.
Follow emergency service / council advice on the day. Note pet-friendly options: FILL. Keep everyone together if possible.
Secondary to people, meds, documents, dog. One small valuables pass only if it does not slow exit.
Account for everyone by name before vehicles leave. Car seats if applicable. This household baseline is 5 adults + dog — adjust headcount: FILL if guests.
Only when emergency services / utilities say it is safe. Gas smell, standing water, or structural damage → stay out.
FILL. Know which is the main switch. Never operate electrics while standing in water.
FILL. Photo in phone offline album helps.
FILL. Gas emergency: 0800 111 999 from outside if you smell gas.
FILL (train all adults on a calm day).
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 999 |
| Power cut | 105 |
| Floodline | 0345 988 1188 |
| United Utilities (water) | 0345 672 3723 |
| Gas emergency | 0800 111 999 |
| Police non-emergency | 101 |
| NHS non-emergency | 111 |
| Cumberland Council | 0300 373 3730 (verify) |
If safe: power off at consumer unit. Evacuate if fire/smoke. Call 999 if fire; otherwise electrician when safe. Do not use water on electrical fires.
Stopcock off if you can find it. Electricity off if water near electrics and you can do so dry/safe. Catch/bucket; photo for insurer.
After power returns: if fridge stayed ≤4 h shut and still cold, likely OK; if warmer or longer, discard perishable high-risk foods. Freezer: ice crystals present → often OK to refreeze; fully thawed risky foods → usually bin. When in doubt, throw it out. FSA guidance when online.
Photograph all damage before clearing when safe. Find policy (FILL location / insurer phone). Call insurer early; keep a log of calls and receipts for emergency spend. Do not bin damaged items until insurer agrees (unless a health hazard).
Out-of-area contact first (FILL), then employer/school as needed. One message avoids twenty calls.
Do not restore power yourself if water reached sockets/consumer unit. Qualified electrician. Gas appliances: Gas Safe engineer after flood.
Often discard after dirty flood water. Follow insurer and public-health advice; wear gloves; hygiene first.
Within a week: water, food, meds, batteries, dog food, printed contacts. Recharge Anker C1000/C300 and power banks. Note what failed in a debrief (§20).
After every real event and at least annually (e.g. each September). Update FILL blanks, phone numbers, and Wh measurements from practice.
Normal. Rest, eat, hydrate, talk. Serious ongoing distress: GP / 111 / Samaritans 116 123.
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Starlink Mini Kit | Activated; Roam service on account — status FILL |
| Anker SOLIX C1000 + 100W solar | Order confirmed Jul 2025; Wh FILL from label; confirm on site |
| Anker SOLIX C300 | 288Wh; confirm on site |
| Anker 321 / 633 power banks + Nano II 65W | Phone charging |
Full sourcing: gear-from-email.md · Playbook: guide §13.
Q count: 98 questions (A15 + B13 + C12 + D12 + E10 + F11 + G10 + H7 + I8).
Not a substitute for 999 or official instructions on the day. Medical answers are household planning only — not clinical advice. CO safety is non-negotiable.