Wind-up radios selling out after government advises public to stockpile for crisis

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Wind-up radios are flying off the shelves after the government advised the public to start stockpiling to prepare for a crisis. At least seven models sold out at four outlets on Saturday, two days after the government listed battery and wind-up radios on the checklist for households to prepare for emergencies. The 'Be Ready' campaign marks the beginning of a three-year drive to boost household emergency preparedness , as defence secretary Wes Streeting unveiled updated advice for threats such as flooding and wildfires. UK households are advised to take simple steps in case everyday services are disrupted, such as keeping a three-day supply of cash, bottled water and tinned food at home. Maplin said its torch sales had risen by 284 per cent in the last few days, while sales of its power bank were up 106 per cent, The Telegraph reported. Mr Streeting previously called for a "whole society approach" to strengthen national resilience, though he insisted people should remain "alert not alarmed" regarding potential risks. open image in gallery UK households are advised to take simple steps in case everyday services are disrupted ( AFP/Getty ) According to new research from The Prepared Household, Scotland has the UK's highest search interest in extreme-weather and emergency-preparedness supplies relative to its population. Marcus Clarke, founder at The Prepared Household , said: “Scotland stands out clearly in the data, with more preparedness-related searches per person than anywhere else in the UK. People are searching for everything from emergency kits and blackout supplies to flood equipment and backup power. "The West Midlands also records particularly strong interest, especially around practical items such as emergency torches, power banks and power-outage kits. It suggests people are looking for straightforward ways to prepare for disruption at home." open image in gallery Britons advised to prepare for emergencies in new government guidance ( Gov.uk ) A new government website has also been launched with an emergency kit checklist that can be downloaded. The checklist includes: Bottled water - enough bottled water for three days. Each person needs about 3 litres for drinking a day in addition to water needed for cooking and washing. Non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking, such as ready-to-eat tinned meat, fruit or vegetables (and a tin opener). As with water, how much you need will vary based on your own circumstances. Don’t forget food for pets. Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene purposes when the water is off. Light and warmth – pack a torch and spare batteries as well as blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing A portable power bank for charging your mobile phone. A battery or wind-up radio to get updates during a power cut – a car radio can be used, however in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside. A first aid kit (or some first aid items) including items such as waterproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape for dressings, and tweezers. Baby supplies such as nappies and baby formula – ready made or ‘ready-to-feed’ formula is best as you may not be able to boil water or sterilise bottles. Money and documents - Keep cash in a mix of notes, coins and cards. Copies of IDs and documents. Also write down any important phone numbers and information such as regular medication and doses.