Throughout the year #SurreyPrepared will be thinking about what we can all do to prevent and prepare for life’s emergencies. Each month we are highlighting one action which we encourage everyone to take to help build up resilience.

Surrey is blessed with so much beautiful countryside.  Whether you live, work or visit these more rural areas these simple suggestions from #SurreyPrepared will help to ensure you and the landscape stay safe:

Keep yourself and the countryside safe by following the guidance from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

• Discard of rubbish and cigarettes carefully
• Never leave a BBQ unattended
• Avoid starting camp fires on the commons and bonfires during hot, dry weather.
• If there is a fire, call 999 and don’t try to tackle it yourself.
• If the fire is in a remote area, give and accurate location and meet the emergency services at the access point if safe to do so

Stay alert to crime in your area and how you can help to prevent it by considering joining the #CountryWatch scheme and #InTheKnow from @SurreyPolice.

Help pets enjoy the Summer safely too – the RSPCA has some great tips for keeping them cool at home and while outside, such as adding ice cubes to water bowls and pet safe sun-cream.

Never leave a dog in a car, even for a short while or with the window open. When it’s 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour.

Download the right apps on your phone to ensure you are prepared should you be faced with an emergency such as an accident, spotting a fire or becoming lost. Download a first aid app; the brilliant @BritishRedCross apps are free to download and simple to use, even offline and ensure you know how to use live location sharing apps such as Google Maps and WhatsApp.