UK households are being told to stockpile 9 key items as soon as possible by the government.
Though the spectre of WW3 feels like it’s looming larger than ever thanks to escalating tensions, increased spending on defence and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war - and now a tariff trade war heaped on top - the UK government has set up a website called 'Prepare' which offers timeless advice for households to be ready for any eventuality, not just the outbreak of war. Whether it will be for a grid outage, freak weather, attack or another kind of national emergency, the UK’s Prepare website has listed a set of guidance around what UK households should have on hand to be ready for anything.
Battery or wind-up torch - because torches are safer than candles;
Portable power bank - for charging your phone;
Battery or wind-up radio - to get updates during a power cut. A car radio can also be used but during extreme weather "it might be safer to stay inside".
Spare batteries - for torches and radios. Also backup batteries for any medical equipment you may need.
A first aid kit - including washproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape for dressings and tweezers.
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes - for hygiene in case the water is off.
Bottled water - the government says "there is no standard figure" for emergencies because they can vary in duration and people use different amounts. But as a minimum, you should have 2.5-3 litres of water per person per day, as per World Health Organisation guidelines. 10 litres per person per day is more comfortable as this will also provide for hygiene and cooking as well as baby formula.
Non perishable food - anything that doesn’t need cooking, like ready-to-eat tinned meat, fruit or vegetables, as well as a tin opener.
Finally, baby supplies - such as nappies and baby formula, if you have a baby. Ready to fee formula is best for stockpiling as you may not have access to hot water.
The website adds: "Rather than buying all the items at once, you could just add to your emergency kit when you are able and build it up over time."
The Government’s Prepare website says: "Emergencies happen every day in the UK and across the world. They can be caused by severe weather or other natural hazards, by deliberate actions, or as a result of accidents or infrastructure failure.
"They can be events that happen quickly and are over in a few hours, or they can develop and continue over the course of several days, months, or sometimes even longer.
"Consider what supplies you and your household might need during an emergency lasting a few days, such as a power cut or water outage, or situations where you are advised to stay at home or to leave your home (evacuate) for safety reasons.
"It can be helpful to keep these items in one place in your home and ideally somewhere easy to find if the lights aren’t working – if you are escaping your house due to a fire you should not take anything with you at all.
"You could consider keeping items you might need to take with you if asked to leave your home quickly in a spare bag – you might hear some people call this a 'grab bag'."
