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A new government website advising Britons how to prepare for an emergency has focused attention on the phenomenon of “preparedness”, with a practitioner today revealing his list of the top 10 items to keep in case of a disaster .
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden wants people to make contingency plans to deal with potential emergencies, to help build “national resilience” and ease pressure on emergency services.
This includes stocking up on enough food and water to survive for three days in the event of a flood, along with other precautions such as establishing fire escape plans and learning basic first aid skills.
But Justin Jones, of UK Prep Store In London, he believes the government has acted “too late” and warned that the threat of wars, cyber attacks and even solar flares meant it was important to take precautions.
A preparer has revealed the top 10 items he would recommend having on hand in case of a disaster
He told MailOnline: ‘The Rambo wannabes are long gone; we now provide doctors, nurses, teachers, business leaders and even old ladies who remember what rationing was like.
“Our best-selling products are six-month freeze-dried food kits that will last 25 years and nuclear gas mask kits because of the increased risk of war.”
Below, he reveals the top 10 items he would recommend having on hand in case of a disaster.
First aid box
One obvious item Jones recommends having to prepare for a disaster is a first aid kit.
He warns that hospitals would have to focus only on the most serious cases in the event of another incident like a pandemic, so it would be wise to keep some supplies in reserve.
Materials in a typical kit include waterproof plasters, bandages, gloves, antiseptic, tweezers, medical tape, eye drops, and sterile gowns.
“A lot of people neglect this, but if you cut yourself and end up infected, you won’t last long,” he says.
Water purification tablets
Jones points to the water crisis in Devon as evidence of the need to keep a supply of water purification tablets in stock.
South West Water (SWW) had to ask customers to boil their tap water after hundreds of people fell ill with diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pains.
The mystery illness was believed to be linked to cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes serious stomach problems.
“Bottled water is fine, but you have to consider how long it will last,” Jones says.
Justin Jones believes the government has acted “too late” and warned that the threat of wars, cyber attacks and even solar flares meant it was important to take precautions.
emergency food
Disruption to the food supply caused by war or another global pandemic tops the list for many preppers.
Jones warns that many Britons have become “too reliant on technology”, pointing to the popularity of food delivery services such as Deliveroo.
The store owner recommends keeping long-life foods at home as a precaution.
“This could be short-term canned food that is easy to heat in the can if needed or longer-term freeze-dried meals, which also allows for use for pets and babies,” he says.
energy bars
While it’s helpful to have long-lasting supplies, they can take time to prepare and be less useful on the road, Jones says.
“Energy bars will allow you to consume calories quickly when you need them, and will allow you to not have to rely solely on long-term meal plans that need to be heated.”
Generator
Portable generators can be used to keep appliances running in the event of a power outage.
Jones says one of the most essential appliances to keep going is a refrigerator or freezer for storing food.
But he adds: “Many freezers will stay frozen for 24 to 48 hours as long as they are full and with the lid closed.”
LED Flashlight
A power outage during the long winter nights would make moving difficult, but typical torches often require many batteries to keep running.
String lanterns are one option, although Jones believes LED lanterns are another good alternative.
“If the power goes out, one of these in good condition can last for days with the batteries at a low level,” he says.
multiband radio
The sudden outbreak of war or natural disaster is often characterized by confusion, which can lead to errors.
Having a portable radio at home will allow you to stay in touch with the outside world, including listening to crucial government updates.
“You’ll need a decent multi-band receiver to listen to announcements from around the world, and plenty of batteries,” Jones says.
heavy wool blankets
Many of us will remember going through Band-Aids after a boiler failure, so having a supply of suitable blankets is a must.
Many emergency kits contain foil blankets or other high-tech equivalents, but Jones opts for a traditional wool one.
“These are essential if the heating goes down, depending on the time of year,” he says.
Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has advised people to buy a list of essential items to have at home.
Gas mask
According to Jones, this would be useful in the event of a nuclear explosion or a major bomb that leaves clouds of pollution in the air.
“If you are far enough away from the explosion zone and can stay inside for the first 72 hours, your chances of survival are relatively high,” he says.
UK Prepping Shop is selling a nuclear survival kit for one person, complete with a gas mask, for £565.
‘Safety bag’ for the car
Discussions about preparation often focus on the home, but Jones believes it’s worth preparing for the possibility of having to leave home quickly.
As such, he recommends keeping a “bug out bag” filled with supplies in the trunk of your car to use if necessary.