The UK government has launched a three-year 'Be Ready' campaign, urging households to prepare a survival kit with three days' worth of supplies in case of emergencies such as cyber attacks and natural disasters. A key item on the 'national resilience checklist' is a wind-up or battery-powered radio, essential for communication when severe storms knock out the power grid.
The initiative follows harsh storms last winter and heatwaves this summer that disrupted daily services. The checklist advises households to stock water, non-perishable food, health products and money, alongside a radio.
Where to buy a wind-up radio
Hand crank radios are available on Amazon and at B&Q, with prices starting from as little as £12.99. These self-powered devices are turned on by manually turning a crank handle, so they do not require batteries or an electricity connection.
Some models come with a built-in LED torch, an SOS alarm, and occasionally a reading lamp or compass. Certain versions can even act as their own power source, with a built-in phone charger. Standard models usually offer both AM and FM tuning, though this is worth double checking. Households may also want to verify if the device includes a public safety weather channel for updates during bad weather.
Battery-powered alternatives
While a wind-up radio is preferred, the government's checklist also advises investing in a battery-powered alternative. These are in stock at Argos, with prices starting from £14.99.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis MP said: "Those who can follow this advice should follow this advice. By taking simple steps to be ready for everyday emergencies like severe storms, people can reduce pressure on emergency services, helping them prioritise people who need more support in an emergency."
He added: "This is just the sort of community-focused campaign the UK needs to improve our resilience as a nation. It will bring us into line with European counterparts, where advice like this is a normal part of everyday life."
Storm warnings in Scotland
The campaign launch comes as the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for "severe gales" caused by Storm Austen today, with a fresh amber warning set for tomorrow (Saturday, October 24) as Storm Boelo moves through the nation. Forecasters warned of possible "injuries and danger to life" as powerful winds sweep across the country.
The amber weather warning will be in effect from 9pm tomorrow until 9pm on Sunday evening (October 25), covering much of Scotland including Central, Tayside & Fife, Grampian, Highlands & Eilean Siar, Strathclyde and SW Scotland, Lothian Borders. More information is available on the Be Ready campaign website.
