Households urged to prepare 3-item emergency kit this week | UK | News

A campaign group is calling on Brits to prepare three-item emergency kits before Tuesday, January 27. The warning comes as stormy conditions are set to hit many parts of the country. Storm Chandra will bring snow, rain and high winds to the UK earlier this week; Flooding and travel disruptions are likely in some parts of the country. In fact, the Met Office has issued a yellow alert for heavy showers across south-west England on Monday and Tuesday.

A total of 30 to 50 mm of precipitation may fall in the region, with even more precipitation (60 to 80 mm) at higher altitudes. As a result, a yellow weather warning has been issued for London, the South East and the South West. The storm has reached many parts of the country, but forecasters say it will intensify on Tuesday. Northern Ireland is one of the regions hardest hit by the outbreak and a yellow alert was issued on Tuesday. Following the weather warning, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) urged British households to take certain safety precautions.

These measures include the preparation of emergency kits. RoSPA says this should be done to reduce the risk of injury and disruption.

“Storm Chandra is expected to bring hazardous conditions that significantly increase the risk of injury, particularly from falls, flying debris, and hazardous driving conditions,” said RoSPA Senior Policy Manager Rebecca Guy. “Taking simple precautions now, such as avoiding unnecessary travel, securing loose items and staying informed, can make a real difference in keeping people safe.”

RoSPA advises people to “pack a basic emergency kit with torches, batteries and non-perishable food.” Additionally, the organization says households should keep their cell phones and other devices fully charged in case of a power outage.

Meanwhile, Brits are being told to ensure windows and doors are securely closed during periods of high wind and rain and to secure outdoor items such as bins, signage and garden furniture to prevent damage or injury.

Chief forecaster Paul Gundersen explained: “Initially strong winds will affect the Isles of Scilly, west Cornwall and south-west Wales, which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti, where winds of 70 to 80 mph are possible,” he said.

“Heavy rain falling on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall poses an additional danger. As the Chandra interacts with cold air further north, snow becomes a hazard in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands, with 10 to 20cm of snow likely to accumulate on high ground.”

Meanwhile, RAC mobile service and repair team leader Nick Mullender said: “The possibility of flooding is high, making many roads dangerous. “Our message to motorists is simple: Do not drive through standing water unless you are absolutely sure the water is shallow enough and it is safe to do so.

“In these conditions, drivers need to slow down and remain alert. Stopping distances can double on wet roads, so it’s important to take a careful, steady approach and allow extra time to react.”

“Also, if your vehicle already has known faults, now is not the time to take risks. Avoid unnecessary journeys and have any problems resolved immediately by a reliable mobile mechanic or local garage.”