What to do in an emergency

If you are in immediate danger you should call 999.

What to do in an emergency

The Silent Solution system

The Silent Solution system enables a 999 mobile caller who is too scared to make a noise, or speak, to press 55 when prompted – to inform police they are in a genuine emergency. It can, in extreme situations, potentially save a life.

It is not true that police will automatically attend if you make a silent 999 call. To ensure the call receives a response, callers need to listen and respond to questions and instructions, including by coughing or tapping the handset if possible, or if using a mobile phone, once prompted by the automated Silent Solution system, pressing 55.

The system filters out thousands of accidental or hoax silent 999 calls made daily. Around 50 emergency calls from mobiles a day are transferred by a BT operator to police forces in the UK as a result of someone having pressed 55 when prompted, enabling the police to carry out urgent enquiries to respond.

What to do in an emergency


It’s a good idea to put together a safety plan, so you are prepared for an emergency situation.

This is something we can help you with. and you can find more information about staying safe here.

You may need to leave your home quickly. In which case it's useful to have an escape bag containing the following items:

  1. Passport
  2. Birth and marriage certificates
  3. Driving licence
  4. Medication
  5. Children’s medical records (such as Red Books)
  6. Money and credit cards
  7. Change of clothes for yourself and your children
  8. Keys— house, work, car
  9. Phone and address book
  10. Children’s special blanket or toy
  11. Items you can’t live without
  12. Divorce papers
  13. Copy of injunction
  14. Benefits book/letters
  15. Visa/Immigration documents

Your safety plan should also include where you would go and stay if you need to leave the house quickly. We may be able to offer you a space in our refuge, or refer you to a refuge outside of the area if it’s not safe for you to stay in Brighton.

We can also help you with long-term solutions, such as renting privately or applying for supported housing through the local Council.

Can't leave your home?

It may not be possible to leave the house, in which case make sure you know which room is the safest and head there. Put heavy furniture against the door.

What to do in an emergency

Try to choose a “soft room” as your safest room. Avoid the kitchen as there are too many potential weapons at hand.

What to do in an emergency

You may want to consider the following to help keep you safe at home:

  • A door jammer: A device that stops forced entry
  • Carelink alarm: A pendant and telephone system that connects you to a 24/7 monitoring centre.
  • TecSOS: A mobile device that connects you immediately to the police at the touch of a button.

We can talk you through these options.

What to do in an emergency

If you feel there is a risk of arson, you can contact the East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) for a home safety assessment.

What to do in an emergency