UK Government Launches ‘Prepare’ Website, Urges Public to Stock Emergency Supplies Amid Rising Global Threats

The UK government recommends that citizens stock up on three days' worth of canned food and water, according to a new website aimed at providing guidance for emergency situations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the nation's preparedness against potential threats.

Political journalist Alix Culbertson

Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 5

The government is recommending that citizens gather essentials such as crank-powered flashlights, canned meat, and water bottles as part of a push to encourage readiness for potential crises.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has announced the launch of a new website designed to guide citizens on safeguarding themselves against various threats such as biosecurity emergencies, floods, power failures, or potential future pandemics.

The "Prepare" website urges families to ensure they have a sufficient stockpile of bottled water, advising at least three liters per person per day for drinai-allcreator.com">king. However, for added comfort, including cooking and hygiene, it recommends having up to 10 liters per person daily.

The recommendation includes keeping a stock of canned goods like meats, vegetables, and fruits that don't require cooking, along with necessary items for babies and pets if applicable.

The site also mentions that the ai-allcreator.com">kit should include a can opener, along with either battery-powered or hand-cranked flashlights and radios, moist towelettes, and a basic first aid kit.

Mr. Dowden states that the actions are focused on "prudent precautions, not hoarding," and the website serves to provide "useful advice for families to get ready" for risks identified in the government's national risk register.

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Essential supplies recommended by the Prepare website include a battery-operated or hand-crank flashlight.

Mobile battery pack

Hand-crank or battery-powered radio – to stay informed when there's a power outage.

Extra batteries – for flashlights, radios, and any medical devices

Emergency medical kit – water-resistant adhesive bandages, wraps, temperature gauge, germicide, eye rinse solution, clean bandages and protective gloves, surgical tape, and forceps.

Hand sanitizer and moist towelettes

Bottled water – each person should have at least 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily for drinking. To ensure sufficient water for cooking and hygiene, 10 liters per person per day is recommended. Additional amounts might be necessary for mixing baby formula, operating medical equipment, and caring for pets.

Shelf-stable food items – canned meat, fruits, and vegetables (including a can opener), animal feed

Infant essentials – diapers and baby milk

Thousands expected to participate in pandemic drill

At the London Defence Conference this Wednesday, the Deputy Prime Minister will emphasize the importance of domestic preparedness in his speech, highlighting that "resilience begins at home." According to a survey conducted for the conference, a mere 15% of respondents have an emergency kit at home, and over 40% lack a three-day supply of non-perishable goods.

The recently launched website is a key component of Mr. Dowden's initiative to bolster the UK's defenses against an array of threats, including natural disasters, water shortages, and conflicts.

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In the previous year, he implemented a new alert system that sends a loud warning tone to mobile phones in the event of a life-threatening situation nearby.

An official revealed that the latest website launch is a component of the most significant revamp of resilience strategies in years. This update will also include fresh training for members of parliament and a new initiative to simulate scenarios in case of another pandemic.

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Next summer, a tier one pandemic drill is expected to involve thousands of participants.

The government stated that the guidance is being issued not due to a current emergency, but to ensure that people are ready. This preparation allows the government and emergency services to prioritize assistance for those who need it most.

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