As war erupts in the Middle East and global tensions continue to escalate, experts are warning households to prepare for potential disruptions in essential services. While emergency kits stocked with torches, batteries and non-perishable food are common, one crucial item is often overlooked. Maps can be a lifesaver when GPS and internet fail, forcing us to rely on the trusted old ways of navigation.
In situations where digital tools go dark, a paper map may be the difference between getting lost and reaching safety. Not only is war threatening global stability, but recent events in Spain, Portugal, and parts of south-west France have shown how vulnerable modern infrastructure can be and how dependent we are on it. In April last year, a massive power outage, one of the largest in Europe in the past 20 years, left millions without electricity.
Major cities including Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon were affected, along with homes, offices, traffic lights, trains and even public events like the Madrid Open tennis tournament.
In its guidance for an emergency grab bag, Hillingdon Council also recommends including a map, along with other essential items: long-life food and snacks, bottled water, prescription medications, seasonal clothing, a wind-up or battery-powered radio and cash in small bills.
The council also reccomends including important documents, such as insurance papers and ID, a torch or wind-up torch, a phone charger, a power bank, a first aid kit and basic toiletries.
Final suggestions for the bag include a blanket, baby food and care items, pet supplies, a whistle, a pen and notepad and home and car keys.
Many camping kits come with waterproof maps, a compass, and an emergency whistle, all of which are widely available online at affordable prices.
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Rather than buying all the items at once, the Government recommends adding to your emergency kit when you are able and building it up over time.
