Deputy PM Oliver Dowden is set to advise Brits on making an emergency kit (Picture: PA)
The launch of a government ‘preppers’ website has sparked fear of panic buying at supermarkets.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver dowden is set to advise people to make contingency plans to help alleviate pressure on emergency services in case of potential emergencies.
These plans suggest families stock up with enough food and water to survive for three days in the case of a major emergency such as floods or storms.
One Whitehall source said the advice is not intended to create ‘US-style survivalists’, but rather to make sure UK households are prepared.
The website says: ‘If an emergency did happen in your area, how would you manage? What about your relatives, friends, neighbours or colleagues – do you know anyone who might need some extra help or support?’
But the guidance has prompted supermarkets to warn shoppers not to panic buy, like in the early days of Covid.
What should your emergency kit include?
The government has provided a list with basic supplies (Picture: Getty)
A battery-powered or wind-up torch
Battery or wind-up radio for updates during an emergency
Portable power banks to charge electronic devices
Spare batteries
First aid kit
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Non-perishable food that does not need to be cooked
Bottled water
Pet food
Baby supplies
Necessary medication
Those who are hoping to stock up on the supplies have been urged to buy these slowly, rather than panic buying and putting supermarkets out of necessary supplies.
The new guidance for Brits comes after a poll published by the London Defence Conference found more than 40% of people don’t have supplies to last three days – and just 15% have an emergency kit in their homes.
Mr Dowden said he is personally prepared, however: ‘I can assure you that we’ve got plenty of resilience in the cupboards and we’ve got some water in the shed.
Supermarket shelves were cleared of necessities during Covid panic buying (Picture: Getty)
Covid panic buying saw customers line up outside supermarkets early in the morning (Picture: Getty)
‘And we’ve got some better battery-powered torches.’
The most common risk to Brits is flooding, but other potential emergencies include cyberattacks, disruption to GPS systems, another pandemic and in extreme cases, a potential conflict.
Mr Dowden added: ‘Every additional person that takes steps to make themselves resilient means that when a crisis hits, the government can focus more on the people that aren’t ready and aren’t resilient.’
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