Arabic version: بيرنهام يحث الأسر على الاحتفاظ بإمدادات للطوارئ

According to BBC News, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has advised people to keep tinned food and bottled water at home to prepare for emergencies. He said unexpected events appeared to be becoming more common, as storms affected the UK and following online disruption linked to a major security flaw.

The government recommends households hold enough supplies for three days in case of crises including war, an online attack or a natural disaster. Its checklist says people should keep nine litres of water per person, along with non-perishable food such as tinned meat, vegetables or dried fruit.

Speaking at a wildfire resilience summit in Liverpool, Burnham said the advice was about helping people through difficult moments. He said he kept beans and soup in the cupboard, and also mentioned Twiglets. Asked about a bottle of wine in an emergency box, he said he would stick to the basics.

The checklist also includes an FM radio, battery-powered or wind-up, as well as hand sanitiser, wet wipes, toiletries, pet and baby supplies, a torch, blankets, a charged power bank, cash, a first aid kit and copies of important documents. The government says FM radio would be the best way to receive BBC news and health and safety information during a severe power cut.

Last month, the National Audit Office warned that Britain’s food supply chain faced growing cyber-attack and climate risks. Treasury minister James Murray said he had not yet followed all the stockpiling advice, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said families also needed clearer information about risks and the government’s response.