The key items to go in an emergency evacuation bag ahead of Storm Ciarán
The UK has faced its fair share of extreme weather in recent weeks, and with Storm Ciarán sweeping in this week the worst may not be over yet.
Homes were evacuated, railway lines flooded and landslides blocked roads last month as Storm Babet battered Scotland and the north of England.
The Met Office even issued rare red weather warnings in relation to Storm Babet – and there is currently a red warning for wind in the Channel Islands as Storm Ciarán approaches.
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There are also amber warnings for wind in place, most of the south coast of England, the north Cornwall and Devon coasts, and south-east Essex.
Panic buying has broken out across the Channel Islands, with one Guernsey resident saying the situation reminded her of reactions during the early stages of the coronavirus lockdowns.
These areas could be in for a very windy Thursday, with gusts potentially reaching up to 90mph.
Storm Babet left 1,250 properties flooded in England, and a number of areas including Retford in Nottinghamshire ad Brechin, Angus saw hundreds of homes evacuated over fears nearby rivers could break their banks.
Orders to evacuate could be issued by the local authorities with very little notice, and it’s important to be prepared.
Ideally, a small and easy-to-carry bag should be packed with essentials and stored in an accessible place, so it can be picked up straight away.
Essential items which should be included in an emergency grab bag include:
- Essential/prescribed medication, and asthma inhalers and other respiratory aids
- Hearing aids
- Glasses and/or contact lenses
- A list of useful phone numbers, such as your doctor’s surgery and close relatives
- Mobile phone and charger
- House and car keys
- Money and credit/debit cards
- First aid kit
- Basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary towels, and hand sanitiser.
Your requirements for a grab bag will vary depending on your personal circumstances and the predicted weather conditions.
Other useful items could include:
- Supplies for babies or small children including nappies, food, formula, sterile bottles and sterilising tablets, and baby wipes
- Supplies for children including toys, books and activities
- Supplies for pets including food, water and bowls, plastic bags for waste, suitable carriers, documents including microchip documents and your vet’s contact details, a favourite toy, and any medication
- Food and water including canned or dried food, bottled drinking water, and any special food needs i.e. gluten free or dairy free items
- Clothing and equipment
- Warm wind and rainproof clothing
- Strong shoes for outdoors
- A waterproof torch and radio, and spare batteries which are checked regularly to ensure they haven’t gone flat.
More items to consider include:
- Copies of insurance documents and ID (such as a passport or driving licence)
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- Sun hats and sun cream
- Rubbish bags
- Thermos flasks.
In some circumstances, you may be advised to stay at home, and prolonged power cuts could bring their own challenges.
Emergency supplies in case of being asked to stay at home include:
- Bottled water – 3.5 litres per person per day for at least three days
- Non perishable food
- Infant formula, if relevant
- Battery-powered or wind-up torches and radios, with batteries
- Camping stove
- Candles and matches
- First aid kit
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Whistle to signal for help
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
MORE : How Storm Ciarán got its name – and which other storm names can you expect in 2023 and 2024
MORE : Map shows where Storm Ciarán ‘danger to life’ wind warnings will be in place
MORE : Storm Ciaràn tracker shows how deadly storm will rip right through heart of UK
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