To be really scared by this messaging from the government?

[sookiestjames77]

As someone who really struggled during the pandemic this has really scared me. I have done a big order of hygiene basics to arrive tomorrow (12 x packs of wet wipes etc) and will be heading out for a stock up shop tomorrow to fill up on tins etc.

I’m considering ordering 12 of those water refills for water coolers and a pump that fits in the top, but I don’t know if that’s overkill. I alone drink 4-5 litres of water a day, plus cooking water!

I am really scared. How is everyone else dealing with this?

I've got a torch anyway. Surely most people have. I'm certainly not seeing any need to panic and start stocking up in bulk.

Oh you're right, the famous boatloads of Iranians coming over...

Yes, but never before has the messaging been this alarmist.

Grab bags, full first aid kits, stocks of medications. What’s different this winter?

Where would be the benefit in the government going into any more detail, when what they have already said has been enough to start some people panicking? What do you want them to do, scare the hell out of everyone and create mass panic?

Seeing as you capable of posting here, then you ought to be able to look it up yourself.

So has eat five portions of fruit and veg.

Some people just don't like hearing advice.

How would Mr Joe Public fight back, if say every major city in the UK was simulateously bombed? Normal citizens wouldn't know who the bombers were, wouldn't know how to trace them, or investigate it.....that would be left to armed forces/MI5/police etc......not Maureen at number 57.

Where are people stashing their emergency cash ? I've put mine in a teapot thats on the display cabinet - but I worry thats too a obvious place.

YANBU. OP, you’ve had some flippant and unkind responses, but I agree that it is unsettling. I can’t recall ever seeing a warning like that, so I am finding it odd and unsure how to respond. Good luck with your preparations, take care.

OP can you please address some of the questions you are being repeatedly asked?

Why do you say there are no power outages or floods in non rural uk?

What would you suggest the government do?

Where have you read that we have been told to prepare emergency evacuation kits?

Where's the three Billy Goats Gruff when you need them?

Wait so now we'd be bombed by immigrants...?

I despair.

Over and out, y'all.

Or sparkling?

Whats your address and do you leave the window open?
I'll be able to help you out with suggestions if you can give me the above info

Ni, not necessarily nationwide all at the same time. They have to tell everyone so that no matter who is affected wherever they are they have been told. You are not seriously this dim are you?
Nobody is saying something is going to happen today, tomorrow or 3 months time. They are just asking g for people to be prepared.
I can pretty much guarantee that some areas of Scotland will be without power this time tomorrow due to the amber wind warning covering the whole country. Some of those affected could be without power for several days. Some areas may evacuate to the village halls or schools. Always best to be prepared for any eventuality.

Lots of people who enjoy being cruel, but I’d bet they have huge deliveries of supplies on the way!!

The advice on how to be prepared hasn't changed in recent years, as is made very clear in the web links shared with you.

What's in it for you in being untruthful and alarmist?

Mayve my approach will help you?

I already had a well stocked pantry but I've added a few more things that keep well: soups, a few tins of fruit and veg, beans, oats, crisp breads, long life milk, and a jar of hotdogs. Fruit and veg in the fridge and sitting out already would last days anyway and go first- plus whatever is in the fridge. Oh guess I'll have to eat that tub of hummus and all the cheese!

I've cooked some bacon chopped up and put it and some tortillas in the freezer. If the power goes out, bacon goes in the frozen peas for pea salad when the freezer stuff thaws and the frozen bread/ tortillas keep the soups and beans a bit better as a meal.

I reckon in a power outage situation (which is what we are most likely to have) working down the fridge items, then freezer items that can be eaten thawed and then pantry I can go at least a week especially if it's cold outside and stuff can go out in the shed. Longer if we get into some creative just eating for calories- dates, peanut butter, etc.

I won't be doing the whole camping stove thing but the South African neighbours will likely be grilling what is thawed from their freezer so maybe we will make trades!

I also restocked what I was low on- some spices, baking supplies and any hygiene items-
so that we have a starting point of not having to go out. I do need to do a little stock take and make sure we keep eating what we have and replacing it.

All in, I'd say I probably front loaded £100 ahead of what we normally buy to be stocked for the storms and in general, but other than the hotdogs, long life milk and the water, there isn't anything I wouldn't have bought and eaten anyway. My parents live in a rural area prone to flooding that blocks a few roads out so I'm kind of used to it.

My advice is to build on what you have and start small. You probably already have lots that is useful- you just need to be a bit broader in case you have no power unless you have a gas stove/ oven which we don't.

Add some batteries and a bit of cash, and call it a day!

The advice to stockpile 3 days is just to stop the panicking buying if we did get cut off temporarily.

Remember those panicking buying loo rolls during Covid, all the empty shelves?

The government wants to stop a repeat of this.

For example, a cyber attack on supermarkets could stop deliveries and result in empty shelves, as has happened to some stores quite recently. The stores would need a few days to the fix the issue, so in those circumstances a 3 day stockpile would be sensible.

It's not alarmist, calm down. I take a first aid kit everywhere, I have fragile skin. In the event of people being hurt then resources will be pooled so those who need first aid will have medical supplies. If you're displaced and you're on medication then you're going to need it aren't you?

The government was ill prepared for COVID and it makes sense for each individual household to have their own supplies to supplement whatever aid is available.

Luckily the wine rack is full 🍷

It is alarmist.

It’s not normal to carry a fully stocked first aid kit with you.

Climate change.
Risk of cyber attacks.

This has been explained so many times on this thread.

There are some really stroppy, rude responses on this thread. No need for it. I don't think half these comments would be delivered with such arseholery and eye rolling if you were standing face to face and having the conversation in person.

But it’s just caused that to happen! Our local supermarkets are all totally bare