The UK Government has advised all Britons to ensure they know how to get home from work without relying on their phone, as part of new emergency guidance launched last week under the Be Ready campaign.
The campaign, introduced by Andy Burnham's government, aims to encourage households to take simple steps to stay prepared if everyday services are temporarily disrupted. It is the first stage of a three-year initiative to help households across the UK feel better prepared for events such as severe weather, which can affect services including power, water, phones and the internet.
Storm Chaos Highlights Need for Preparedness
Just days after the campaign was launched, the UK was hit by Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, causing power cuts and major disruption to public transport services. Experts have warned that severe weather like these storms is likely to become more common, prompting the Government to issue guidance on how households can be better prepared.
Launching the campaign, Security Minister and MP Dan Jarvis 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."
Advice on Phone-Free Travel and Emergency Supplies
The Government's emergency advice warns: "If you are regularly away from home for work or travel, it can help to plan how you would manage without your phone." It continues: "Think through how you would get home without relying on mobile apps. Know your usual route, but also be aware of at least one alternative, such as a different train line, bus route or road."
People have been encouraged to stockpile three days' worth of supplies, including food, water, batteries, torches, and baby or pet food. The Government has also published an "emergency checklist" advising what people should do to be prepared, including writing down five key things—such as important phone numbers, a list of regular medication, and insurance policy details—and storing them somewhere easy to find at home.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the advice to stockpile essentials, adding that "unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common."
