United Kingdom

Emergency Alerts: The United Kingdom uses an official warning system for compatible mobile phones and tablets. If there is a nearby danger to life, the device may make a loud siren-like sound, vibrate and show an alert message.

There are also Met Office weather warnings, flood warnings and local authority information. Traditional sirens are not available nationwide as a general civil protection warning system.

Country: United Kingdom / Great Britain

• Country code: GB / UK
• Official language: English
• Currency: pound sterling (GBP)
• Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time, British Summer Time in summer
• Power supply: normally 230 V / 50 Hz, plug type G

The United Kingdom has very well-developed infrastructure. During a prolonged power outage, communication, transportation, card payments, heating, cooling, elevators, gas stations, supermarkets and parts of the water supply may be disrupted.

The most important emergency numbers in the United Kingdom should be saved offline and also kept on paper.

• 999: emergency number for police, fire department, ambulance and coast guard
• 112: international emergency number, also works in the United Kingdom
• 111: NHS urgent medical help when it is not life-threatening
• 101: police for non-emergency situations
• 105: report a power outage and connect to the local network operator

If life is in immediate danger, always use 999 or 112. During a large blackout, emergency lines should not be blocked by general inquiries.

The United Kingdom uses Emergency Alerts for immediate dangers, Met Office weather warnings and flood warnings. Local authorities publish additional information depending on the region and event.

• Emergency Alerts: warning messages directly to compatible mobile phones.
• Met Office: weather warnings for wind, rain, snow, ice, thunderstorms, heat and fog.
• Flood Warnings: flood alerts, warnings and water level information.
• Radio: during a power outage, keep a battery, hand-crank or car radio available.

For Great Britain, private preparedness for several days is sensible. Supplies should be usable without electricity.

• Plan drinking water and beverages for everyone in the household.
• Store long-life food that can be eaten cold or prepared easily.
• Keep medicines, first-aid supplies and personal long-term medication available.
• Prepare a battery or hand-crank radio, flashlights, spare batteries and power banks.
• Keep cash in small bills, as card payments and ATMs may fail.
• Keep important documents, phone numbers and addresses also on paper.
• With alternative cooking or heating, watch for fire and carbon monoxide risks.

In Great Britain, 105 connects you to the local electricity network operator during a power outage. If damaged power lines create danger, keep away and inform the network operator or emergency services.

Official information may come from GOV.UK, local authorities, police, fire department, NHS, Met Office and flood services.

For Dominican citizens, the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London is the relevant official representation.