Planning Ahead for Emergencies When You Live Alone
- The Good Company People
- Sep 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 14
This blog was written by a member of Good Company’s LEAP panel. She is sharing her personal experience of a health scare and the simple steps she has since taken to feel safer at home. These are her own reflections, not professional advice. We hope they encourage you to think about what might work best for your own situation.
A few weeks ago I had a frightening experience. I woke up and could not get my breath. I live alone, and my phone was downstairs. Even if I had reached it, I could not have spoken to ask for help after dialling 999.
To make things worse, all of my doors were locked, including the inside ones. That would have made it very hard for ambulance staff to get to me. I had got into the habit of locking internal doors after my husband went into care. It helped me feel safe, but in that moment it could have made me less safe.
Luckily I did get my breath back, but it shook me badly. With the help of a friend, I started to think about how I could be better prepared if something similar happened again. These are the simple steps I have taken, using things I already had at home plus one small purchase.
Key safe
I needed a way for ambulance staff or family to get in if I could not open the door. I chose a key safe, a model recommended by the police (see advice on choosing a key safe). As well as holding my front door key, it contains a list of my medication and where I keep it. You could also include allergies or other essential notes for emergency staff.
Locked internal doors
I realised locking all the inside doors was not wise. It slowed down access for help and would also be a barrier if I needed to get out quickly in a fire. Now I only lock doors that do not get in the way of entry or exit (Fire safety advice from UK Fire and Rescue).
Mobile phone
I now keep both my mobile and landline within reach at night. If I misplace my mobile, I can use the landline to ring it and follow the sound.
I used to carry my phone when going out, but not for quick jobs like gardening or putting the bins out. After a fall in the garden, I should have learned sooner. Now I always take it with me, even just to water pots. On my iPhone I can ask Siri to dial 999 without pressing anything. Android phones can do the same with Google Assistant.
See Emergency SOS on iPhone and Get help during an emergency with your Android phone.
Voice memo
Because I could not speak when I lost my breath, I made a short recorded message on my mobile. If I dial 999 on the landline, I can play the memo into the phone. It says: “This is a pre recorded message. I cannot breathe or speak. Please send an ambulance urgently. My key safe code is xxxx. My address is xxxx. My friend’s telephone number is xxxx.”
This was my personal solution. It may not work for everyone, but it gives me peace of mind.
Buddy system
Every morning I send a thumbs up emoji to my friend on WhatsApp, and he does the same. It is a quick way of saying “I am OK.” If either of us does not reply, we ring each other. If we still do not get an answer, we can use each other’s key safe to check-in. If that is not possible, you could agree a system with a neighbour or family member.
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarmsI already had these, but I now make a point of testing them every month (NHS advice on home safety).
Lions “Message in a Bottle”
This is a free scheme run by Lions Clubs across the UK. It provides a clearly labelled plastic bottle that you keep in your fridge. Inside it is a form to record personal and medical details, such as:
Your name and date of birth
Medical conditions and allergies
A list of current medications
GP and emergency contact numbers
Paramedics and other first responders are trained to look for the bottle if they see a green sticker on your fridge door and another on the inside of your front door.
You can usually get a bottle free from your GP, pharmacy, local Lions Club or community centre. It is a simple but powerful way to make sure the right people have the right information, especially if you are unconscious or unable to speak.
I am sure there are other ideas that I have not thought of, and what works for me may not work for everyone. Preparing for emergencies is always best done in a way that suits your own circumstances.
It took a very frightening experience to make me act. I hope you will not wait until something happens. Stay safe.
Editor’s note from Good Company
At Good Company we share stories from our members to support you and to spark ideas and conversations. We know that one way of doing things does not suit everyone. If you would like to talk through your own situation or explore local support, our Concierge team is here to listen and help.
Other things you might want to think about:
Checking your home for trip hazards, improving lighting on stairs, or fitting grab rails where useful.
Setting up an emergency contact on your mobile phone so responders can find it even if your phone is locked.
If you live in a house, make sure the number is clear and easy to see from the road.
If you live in a flat, make sure the building name or number is visible and that emergency services can get through the main entrance quickly. Some people also give a spare fob or key to a trusted neighbour, or note the entry code in their key safe, so ambulance staff are not delayed at the main door.
Considering whether technology such as Telecare, fall detectors or smart watches would give you extra reassurance.
Asking a neighbour to be a local contact if family or friends live further away.
Local support links:
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service offers free home fire safety checks: esfrs.org
East Sussex County Council Adult Social Care for advice on Telecare and community support: eastsussex.gov.uk
Good Company’s Concierge team can connect you with local services in Crowborough, Forest Row, Wadhurst and surrounding areas.
