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The CLA is asking people who live in rural areas to ask themselves how easy their property is to locate in an emergency.

Despite modern navigation systems, the organisation believes that emergency vehicles are still having difficulty finding some addresses, especially in rural areas where house numbers and street names may not exist.

Simple measures such as clear signage, having clear and accurate directions and even knowing your grid reference could save lives in an emergency, especially as the long dark nights of winter are upon us says Douglas Chalmers, Director CLA North.

Mr Chalmers explains: "Although we all hope that we never have to call out the Emergency Services to our homes, farms or businesses, taking action now might ensure that if they ever are needed, they arrive as quickly as possible. Simply telling the operator your house name and village might not be enough.

"Sadly, farming is still regarded as one of the country's most dangerous industries, and if the worst does happen, remote locations and lack of accessibility for medical assistance simply add to the problem. Similarly, rural dwellers are already likely to be further away from other emergency help from the Police and Fire Services. Often, having a clearly visible sign at the end of a farm road or drive, on roadside buildings or a gate can save vital minutes when responding to a 999 call.

"We are simply asking that rural dwellers take time to think "Am I easy to find?" or "What would the best directions be?" before they might have to in an emergency. Signs should be well maintained, and kept clear of undergrowth.

"We should also think about other practical measures. Everyone who might be likely to place an emergency call – children, family and staff – should be able to give really clear directions. Maybe these directions, the post code, which is often used by emergency control centres and ideally the grid reference, should be kept by the telephone. Don't forget that the lane or track you happily use in your car may be totally unsuitable for larger vehicles such as fire engines.

"The threat of rural crime may lead to some access roads being sometimes blocked by locked gates. Can they be opened quickly in an emergency? If a route is particularly complicated, it may be worthwhile planning to send someone to meet the emergency services.

"Of course, considering these measures now will take up some time, but better a few minutes spent now by you than by an ambulance or fire engine driver when they are responding to your 999 call."

Further information on contacting the emergency services can be found on the website www.999whereareyou.org or the North West Ambulance HNS Trust website www.nwas.nhs.uk

In summary the CLA is recommending that people:

* Ensure any signs on, or leading to your property are visible and unobstructed;

* Ensure that you and others have accurate and straightforward directions to your property;

* Know the OS grid reference of your property;

* Make sure access for emergency vehicles is not obstructed by locked gates;

And finally, remember to pass on the information during the initial call to the emergency services.