Apocalypse now? Don’t forget your toothbrush
Police force mocked over advice to keep a ‘disaster kit’ ... but at least they insist it’s nothing to do with Brexit!
POLICE have been accused of spreading panic after urging the public to prepare a ‘grab-and-go’ bag in case of emergencies.
The graphic of a travel bag packed with essential items such as a first aid kit, batteries, a torch, radio and toiletries sparked ‘doomsday’ fears when it was posted on Twitter.
It led some to mock the police – and others to question whether the authorities know something we don’t. It also prompted critiing cism of its timing, given recent warnings of civil disorder and shortages ahead of Brexit – although any links were denied.
The recommendations were part of an annual Preparedness Month being promoted by emergency services and local authorities across the UK, including Police Scotland, Prepared in Essex and Thames Valley Police.
The ‘grab bag’ graphic was posted by a number of the groups. The cross- section of a rucksack also includes images of a phone charger, seasonal clothing and a whistle – similar to those suggested by US authorities in readiness for floodgeneral and earthquakes. In response to Police Scotland, Twitter user Bellshillbaker wrote: ‘This is crass. Scaring people with no explanations. What emergencies do you envisage? Brexit? War? Civil disturbance? Flood? Pestilence? Nuclear accident? Martial law?’
Another user, Sharon Gathercole, tweeted: ‘Confusing/worrying. I’m 50 years old, lived here all my life and have never been given this kind of advice before. You need to explain.’
Pensioners’ groups also accused the police of spreading panic.
Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan said: ‘I know that many people have been bamboozled as to why on earth this grabbag graphic has been advertised out of the blue and seems to have only served to set the hares running. It’s just bizarre.
‘Of course it is important to be prepared in the event of an emergency but this seems a step beyond what is necessary.’
Politicians meanwhile questioned the timing of the tweets amid Brexit uncertainty. Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, said: ‘While I have no doubt this tweet was wellintentioned, the timing seems extremely ill-advised.
‘It’s difficult to understand why September requires people to prepare an emergency grab bag. Given the current atmosphere in the UK, Police Scotland should have reconsidered the impact this would have before posting.’
A Police Scotland spokesman said the message was ‘part of a
‘Scare people with no explanation’ ‘We’re not talking end-of-the-world’
resilience awareness campaign that runs each year during September’.
They added that this time of year was chosen because it is the end of the summer holidays and ‘people are starting to turn their minds to the autumn and winter which may bring severe weather’.
Another partner in the campaign, Prepared in Essex, said: ‘We’re not talking end- of-theworld stuff, just things that could occur in our day-to-day lives.
‘The campaign has no links to Brexit and there isn’t anything you haven’t been told.’
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