Keynsham Town Council is encouraging residents to take a few simple steps to prepare for unexpected emergencies by delivering a new double-sided information card to households across the town.

Developed by the Town Council's Community Resilience Working Group, the card aims to help people feel informed and prepared rather than concerned. It includes space to record important emergency contact details, identify the nearest public-access defibrillator, building on the Town Council's investment in a network of more than 10 defibrillators across Keynsham and provides guidance on creating a personal "Grab & Go" bag with essential items, as well as noting a nearby place of refuge.

The initiative has been introduced in response to increasingly frequent incidents such as flooding, severe weather, grass fires and temporary loss of essential services, while supporting the wider development of a Community Resilience Plan that includes identifying places of refuge, recruiting volunteers and working with partner organisations and emergency services to strengthen local preparedness.

Martin Burton, Chair of the Community Resilience Committee, said: "This initiative is about being prepared, not alarmed. We hope residents will take a few minutes to complete the leaflet and think about the practical steps they could take before an emergency happens. Being prepared can make a real difference." Residents are encouraged to complete the card, keep it in a safe place, and discuss emergency plans with their household. More information, including places of refuge, the UK defibrillator finder and Community Resilience Working Group minutes, is available at www.keynsham-tc.gov.uk