Just 15 percent of people in the UK have a kit of essential supplies ready in case of an emergency, according to a new survey.
There is a wide consensus among government, local councils, geopolitical experts and charities that citizens should have a small but functional survival kit in the event of a natural disaster, a cyber attack or a nuclear attack.
The data released for the start of the London Defence Conference being held over the next two days at King’s College London coincides with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden’s Prepare Campaign, which aims to improve the country’s preparedness for such disasters.
In order to become more resilient against emergencies, the government is updating its advice and introducing a unique training scheme for ministers and MPs on how to prepare for emergencies and improve their crisis leadership.
The advice recommends that, in the face of a power outage, everyone should ensue they have a wind-up radio, plenty of tinned food, three litres of water per person per day, spare batteries, a first aid kit and hand sanitiser among other things. Oliver Dowden said: “Localised flooding can lead to power outages and it can lead to water disruption. If you think about it, the time it takes a flood to recede, if you’re resilient for three days in simple terms, you’re not going to be worried about getting down to the shops in that period.”
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.”
Iain Martin, Reaction Editor and Director of the London Defence Conference, said: “Countries such as Finland and Japan realise that preparedness for emergencies is vital, yet it seems few Britons have taken this seriously with most lacking even the basic items at home that they might need if we were to suffer power or communications outages because of disaster, conflict or an attack on our national infrastructure”.
“This is one of the key themes we are highlighting this year at the annual London Defence Conference, where we bring together leaders, policymakers, academics, and security experts. We live in an era of increasingly complex risks and threats. It would be wise for Britons to ensure they are prepared with the right kit at home in case of an emergency.”
The survey also found that only 26 percent have a wind-up torch and 11 percent have a wind-up radio, which could be vital to hear news or official announcements if there are lengthy power cuts.
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