Be Ready, North Devon: A Little Preparation Can Make a Big Difference
Living in North Devon, we know the weather can change quickly and sometimes life doesn’t quite go to plan.
A storm, power cut, flooding or disruption to essential services can affect any of us. Being prepared doesn’t mean expecting the worst. It simply means taking a few sensible steps so you, your family and perhaps someone nearby are a little better placed if something does happen.
At Tarka X SafeHarbour, looking out for people and property across North Devon is at the heart of what we do. That’s why we’re supporting the Government’s Be Ready for emergencies campaign.
ALWAYS - If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.
Could You Manage for Three Days?
The Government recommends thinking about how your household would manage for three days during an emergency or significant disruption.
And being prepared doesn’t mean rushing out and buying lots of expensive emergency equipment. Start by looking at what you already have at home and gradually put together the essentials you and your household might need.
Think about things such as:
Bottled water and food that doesn’t need cooking
Torches and spare batteries
Warm clothing and blankets
A charged power bank
A battery or wind-up radio
A first aid kit
Essential medication and medical supplies
Some cash alongside your usual bank cards
Important telephone numbers written down
Supplies for pets, babies or anyone with additional needs
A little preparation today could make an unexpected situation much easier to manage.
Have a Simple Plan
Being ready isn’t just about what’s in the cupboard.
Take a moment to think about what you would actually do if the electricity went off, local roads became difficult to use or you suddenly needed to leave your home.
Make sure everyone in your household knows the basics. Keep important contact details somewhere accessible and know where and how to turn off essential utilities if necessary.
It is also worth knowing about risks where you live and keeping an eye on official alerts and warnings.
Check on Someone Else
For us, this is one of the most important parts of being ready.
North Devon has a wonderful sense of community, and sometimes preparedness is simply knowing who might need a knock on the door.
Think about the people around you.
Is there an older neighbour living alone?
Do you have a relative who might struggle during a prolonged power cut?
Do you know somebody with a disability, health condition or mobility problem who may need additional support?
Or perhaps there is simply someone nearby whose family lives a long way away.
Swap telephone numbers with neighbours. Keep in touch. And when severe weather or another disruption affects our area, take a moment to ask:
“Are you alright? Is there anything you need?”
It sounds simple, but to someone who feels isolated or vulnerable, that small gesture can mean an awful lot.
Don’t Forget Your Property
Being prepared can help protect your home or business too.
Check smoke alarms regularly, understand any local flood risks, make sure appropriate insurance is in place and think about who could access your property if something happened while you were away.
This can be particularly important for holiday homes, second properties, vacant properties and homes belonging to older or vulnerable relatives.
At Tarka X SafeHarbour, our Keyholding, Property Checks, Alarm Response and Severe Weather Checks are designed to provide that extra layer of reassurance when you cannot be there yourself.
Whether it’s checking a property following severe weather or responding when something isn’t right, having a trusted local contact can make all the difference.
Be Ready. Be Neighbourly. Be North Devon.
Preparation isn't just about protecting what's yours. It's about looking out for each other.
At Tarka X SafeHarbour, we protect more than properties. We protect people and communities too.
Whether we're responding to an alarm, checking a property after severe weather, supporting an older or vulnerable resident, or simply providing reassurance when someone can't be there themselves, community is at the heart of what we do.
Because security isn't only about locks, alarms and buildings.
It's knowing someone is there. It's checking on people when they need help. It's protecting the places that matter. And it's helping our communities feel safer and more supported.
Let’s keep North Devon safe, prepared and looking out for one another.
Take Five Minutes Today
Make today the day you take one small step:
Check your essentials.
Make a simple emergency plan.
Swap numbers with a neighbour.
Check on someone vulnerable.
And know who you can call if you can't be there yourself = Tarka X Safeharbour.
You can find practical advice, an emergency checklist and further information on the Government’s Be Ready for emergencies website:
Download here the be ready for 3 days checklist
Also, we have included the accessibility video for our impaired community members
Tarka X SafeHarbour
Protecting Property. Supporting People. Strengthening Communities.
Security | Advocacy & Concierge | GreenCare
One Company. One Community Mission.
North Devon looking after North Devon.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.
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