Category Archives: Extreme Weather

Extreme Weather and Preparedness for extreme weather events such as storms, heatwaves and extreme cold

Power Cut Kit List: What to Have Ready at Work and Home

Among the items the government’s Prepare campaign lists for power cuts and other emergencies are a battery or wind-up torch, a battery or wind-up radio, a portable power bank for your phone, and spare batteries. Below is what each of those does in practice, and how the options compare.

If you look after a building, a team or a household, this is written for you. It covers what official guidance says, what the kit actually does, and the numbers for reporting a power cut.

Why this matters this winter

The Met Office’s June update on the 2026 El Niño notes that it “can increase the likelihood of more unsettled conditions later in the year, including a higher chance of milder, wetter and windier weather during autumn and early winter.” The Met Office published this season’s storm names on 1 September.

The Cabinet Office’s guide to the National Risk Register 2026 puts the scale in context: “Most power cuts (or electricity outages) are short-lived and local, but longer outages of several days can occur with regional or national impacts.”

Two numbers for power cuts

105 is the free power cut number in England, Scotland and Wales. It connects you to your local network operator. In Northern Ireland, call NIE Networks on 03457 643643.

The Priority Services Register is, in the words of the Energy Networks Association, “a free service to help people who have additional needs”. Eligibility includes people who have reached state pension age, are disabled or have a long-term medical condition, or are pregnant or have young children. Network operators offer priority support in an emergency, and can tell customers who rely on their supply for medical reasons about planned power cuts. Northern Ireland has a similar Customer Care Register.

1. A torch

The Prepare campaign says to keep “a battery or wind-up torch (and spare batteries) at home”, and adds that “torches are safer than candles.” It also points out that you “probably won’t want to use the torch on your mobile phone as this will drain its batteries more quickly.”

The options fall into four types:

  • Wind-up torches need no batteries at all. Our dynamo pocket torch gives up to 20 minutes of light from 1 minute of winding, uses two LEDs that never need replacing, and weighs 65g.
  • Head torches keep both hands free, for example when resetting a trip switch or carrying something down a dark stairwell. The Energizer Vision 400 gives 400 lumens from 3 AAA batteries, is water-resistant to IPX4 and weighs 90g. For sites with hazardous atmospheres, ATEX-rated head torches are in the same head torch range.
  • Lanterns light a whole room rather than a spot. The rechargeable COB lantern runs for up to 4 hours on high and has a USB output to charge other devices. The Energizer rechargeable lantern gives up to 1,200 lumens and 7 hours on high, is IPX4 rated, and also has a USB output.
  • Lightsticks need no power and no switch. The Lumica military-grade sticks glow for approximately 12 hours, or 8 hours for some colours. The 30-stick wall box is a wall-mountable box “for emergency personal lighting in blackouts or evacuations”, with a tamper-proof seal.

2. A radio

The Prepare campaign lists a “battery or wind-up radio to get updates during a power cut”, noting that “a car radio can be used, however in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside.”

All three of our wind-up radios receive AM and FM, and all three charge by hand crank, solar panel or USB:

  • The wind-up radio with power bank and torch plays for up to 8 hours, has a 2,000mAh battery, a 1.5W LED torch and an SOS alarm, can top up a phone through its USB port, and weighs 231g.
  • The Universal wind-up radio also plays for up to 8 hours from a 2,000mAh battery, has three LED torch lights, and its built-in power bank can top up a phone, GPS, head torch or speaker. It is rated for -10°C to +60°C.
  • The Duronic wind-up radio gives 20 minutes of play from 1 minute of winding and up to 7 hours from a full USB charge. Its USB port charges the radio itself, not other devices, and it has a headphone jack but no torch.

3. A way to charge your phone

The Prepare campaign lists a “portable power bank for charging your mobile phone”. The Energy Networks Association adds: “Keep a mobile phone fully charged so you can use it to go online for updates or call if you have a power cut.”

  • Power banks store charge in advance. Our 10,000mAh power bank has two USB ports and will completely recharge most smartphones at least once. There are also 5,000mAh and 2,000mAh versions, and the Powertraveller Phoenix 90 at 22,500mAh for laptops and longer outages.
  • An AA battery charger works when a power bank has run flat. Our emergency USB charger takes 4 AA batteries and outputs 5V at 800mA. Its limits: in our own testing it took an iPhone from 0 to over 50% on one set of alkaline AAs. Newer phones are more power-hungry, and it is designed for emergency top-ups, not daily charging.

One limitation of a power bank: it only holds what you put in it. A power bank that has sat in a drawer since last winter may be empty when you need it.

4. Spare batteries

The Prepare campaign lists “spare batteries for torches and radio and a backup battery for any medical equipment you rely on.”

The two differ in rated temperature range. Duracell Plus alkaline AA batteries are rated from -20°C to 54°C. Energizer Lithium AA batteries are rated from -40°C to 60°C, have a stated shelf life of 10 years, and weigh a third less than AA alkalines.

At a glance

ItemPowered byStated runtimePhone charging
Dynamo pocket torchHand winding20 min per 1 min windingNo
Energizer Vision 400 head torch3 × AAA—No
Rechargeable COB lanternBuilt-in rechargeableUp to 4 h on highVia USB out
Energizer 1,200 lumen lanternBuilt-in rechargeableUp to 7 h on highVia USB out
Lumica lightstickChemical, single useApprox. 12 h (8 h some colours)No
Wind-up radio with power bank and torchCrank, solar, USB-CUp to 8 h radioTop-up
Universal wind-up radioCrank, solar, USB-CUp to 8 h radioTop-up
Duronic wind-up radioCrank, solar, USB20 min per 1 min winding; up to 7 hNo
10,000mAh power bankPre-charged—Most phones at least once
AA emergency USB charger4 × AA—Emergency top-up

At work

A power cut at work is a building problem as well as a personal one, and the same kinds of kit apply at a different scale:

  • Head torches leave both hands free, for example for staff moving through stairwells or plant rooms. ATEX-rated models are made for hazardous atmospheres.
  • Lanterns light a room rather than a path, and both of ours can charge other devices from their USB output.
  • The lightstick wall box holds 30 sticks behind a tamper-proof seal. Its product page describes sticks that “can be safely handed out to guests in the hospitality industry, patients in care homes and hospitals/wards”.
  • Power banks hold only the charge last put into them, and lose charge through use and slowly over time.

Three safety points from official guidance

Candles. The Prepare campaign is plain that “torches are safer than candles.”

Generators and fuel heaters indoors. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland warns that “using equipment such as kerosene heaters, charcoal grills (BBQs) and portable generators in doors can cause CO levels high enough to result in CO poisoning”, and that “only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside the home.” Nothing in this article burns fuel.

Fridges and freezers. The Food Standards Agency advises keeping the doors closed. It says a fridge “should stay cold for up to 4 hours”, and that frozen food “should stay frozen for up to 48 hours in a full freezer (or 24 hours if it’s half full).” The Prepare campaign also suggests turning off irons, ovens, electric fires and fryers, and unplugging your TV and PC in case of a surge when the power returns.

For a longer look at what happens when a grid fails at scale, see our piece on the Iberian blackout of April 2025.

The short version

Among the items official guidance lists for a power cut are a torch, a radio, a way to charge a phone, and spare batteries. The options differ in how each one is powered, its stated runtime, and whether it depends on stored charge. Wind-up and solar models can be recharged without mains power.

We are a supplier, not an adviser. What you hold, and how much of it, is your decision. Our full range is under wind-up torches, radios, power banks, lanterns, lightsticks and batteries. If you are equipping a building or a team and know what you need, send us your specification and we will quote it.

Sources

  1. HM Government, Prepare — Power cuts — https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/power-cuts/
  2. HM Government, Prepare — Get prepared for emergencies — https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/get-prepared-for-emergencies/
  3. Cabinet Office — National Risk Register 2026 — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-risk-register-2026
  4. Cabinet Office — A Guide to the National Risk Register 2026 — https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a7c4412aadaaddf89b6e484/A_Guide_to_the_2026_National_Risk_Register.pdf
  5. Met Office — El Niño declared for 2026 as Pacific warms, 11 June 2026 — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2026/el-nio-declared-for-2026-as-pacific-warms
  6. Met Office — Official storm names for 2026/27 revealed, 1 September 2026 — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/news-and-media/media-centre/weather-and-climate-news/2026/from-family-tributes-to-shaun-the-sheep-official-storm-names-for-202627-revealed
  7. Energy Networks Association — Power cut — https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/power-cut
  8. Energy Networks Association — The 105 service — https://www.energynetworks.org/work/105-service
  9. Energy Networks Association — Extra help for customers (Priority Services Register) — https://www.energynetworks.org/customers/extra-help-for-customers
  10. NIE Networks — Customer Care Register — https://www.nienetworks.co.uk/help-advice/vulnerable-customers/customer-care-register
  11. Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland — Carbon monoxide dangers from heating appliances and generators used indoors — https://www.hseni.gov.uk/news/carbon-monoxide-dangers-heating-appliances-and-generators-used-indoors
  12. Food Standards Agency — Food safety in a power cut: advice for consumers — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/food-safety-in-a-power-cut-advice-for-consumers/food-safety-in-a-power-cut-advice-for-consumers

Winter Resilience Planning for Multi-Site Operations: A Facilities Manager’s Timeline

If you are responsible for facilities, health and safety or business continuity across more than one site, you already know that winter finds every gap in your planning at once — and that it finds them at your least-staffed site, on the worst morning, while the road to your best-resourced site is closed.

What is unusual about winter is that it is the only risk on your register with a publication schedule. The alerting systems switch on at fixed dates. The Cold-Health Alert season opens on 1 November and closes on 31 March. Suppliers of winter provision see demand concentrate sharply in the autumn. And the gap between “we should sort that out” and “we cannot get it delivered in time” opens in roughly the same fortnight every year.

This is a month-by-month timeline for the next eight months, built around the official services you should be plugged into — including a note on which of them stop at the English border, because most multi-site estates cross it.

First: which official services cover which nations

This matters more than it sounds. Three of the five services below are not UK-wide, and a national estate that registers once, centrally, will end up with sites that are not covered by anything.

ServiceWhat it gives youCoverage
Met Office National Severe Weather Warning ServiceYellow/amber/red warnings, eight hazard typesUK-wide
Met Office 3-month outlook for contingency plannersSeasonal probability tilt for budget decisionsUK-wide
UKHSA Weather-Health Alerts (Cold-Health Alerts)Health-impact alerts, 1 Nov – 31 MarEngland only
Environment Agency flood warningsProperty-level flood warningsEngland only
NESO Winter OutlookElectricity margin forecastGreat Britain only

Met Office warnings (UK-wide). The Met Office issues warnings so that “people, businesses, emergency responders and governments know what weather is in store and what the impacts of that weather may be.” Eight hazards are covered: rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, extreme heat and fog. Yellow is issued when “it is likely that the weather will cause some low level impacts, including some disruption to travel in a few places”, or where more severe impacts are possible but less certain. Amber signals “an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather”, with “the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property.” Red means “dangerous weather is expected” and “it is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure.”

UKHSA Weather-Health Alerts (England only). Operated by UKHSA with the Met Office, with a joint risk assessment behind each alert. The Cold-Health Alert season runs 1 November to 31 March. The system has four levels — green means no alert is issued, then yellow, amber and red as impact and likelihood rise. Alerts are aimed at “professionals within the health and social care sector and those who have a role in responding to cold weather to protect health”, but they are freely available and sent by email to anyone who registers. UKHSA is explicit that “Weather-Health Alerts cover England only due to this being a devolved responsibility in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.” There is no equivalent alerting service in the other three nations — Public Health Scotland works to an Adverse Weather and Health Plan, Public Health Wales and nidirect publish guidance, and all three rely on Met Office warnings for the trigger.

Flood warnings (four different arrangements). In England, register with the Environment Agency. In Scotland, SEPA runs Floodline and myfloodline registration. In Wales, Natural Resources Wales runs the equivalent. Northern Ireland has no property-level flood warning registration service — official sources point to Flood Maps NI, which is explicitly not accurate at individual property level, and the Flooding Incident Line on 0300 2000 100 for reporting. An NI site therefore needs a plan that does not assume a warning will arrive.

Around 6.3 million properties in England sit in areas at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, surface water or a combination, according to the Environment Agency’s 2024 national assessment. In October 2025 the Agency’s polling found 45% of the public had not looked up the flood risk for their home. For an estate, “check your flood risk” means checking every site — including the car park, the substation and the goods entrance, not just the building.

NESO Winter Outlook (Great Britain). The Early View for winter 2026/27 gives a de-rated margin of 5.5GW, or 8.8% above expected peak demand, based on modelling around 30,000 scenarios. NESO notes that “some periods may be more finely balanced, particularly in January, but NESO has established operational tools to manage tighter days and keep the system secure.” A fuller Winter Outlook follows later in the year. Northern Ireland is not in scope: it sits in the Single Electricity Market, and SONI publishes its own winter outlook.

One reframing before you act on that margin. A comfortable national margin is not what will turn your lights off. Sites lose power to local distribution faults from wind, ice and fallen trees, not to national capacity shortfalls. The more useful thing to have on the incident card is the power cut number: 105 is free from England, Scotland and Wales; in Northern Ireland it is 03457 643643 for NIE Networks.

The timeline

August — the two things with the longest lead times

You are reading this in August, so start here.

  • Gritting contracts. These are tendered and allocated over the summer. Ask your contractor, in writing, where you sit on their route. If they have two hundred clients and you are tier three, you are gritted at 11am — after the incident, not before it.
  • Bespoke or standardised kit specification. If you want every site holding the same defined provision rather than whatever each site bought locally, the specification work needs to happen before the ordering month, not during it.

September — audit, specify, and write the difficult policy

The quiet month, and the one that determines whether the rest of this is manageable.

  • Physically inspect winter stock at every site. Not the inventory spreadsheet — the actual cupboard. Expired items, missing items and “someone borrowed it” are only visible in person.
  • Check expiry dates on first aid consumables, emergency food, batteries and lights. Anything expiring before April gets replaced now.
  • Write the adverse weather policy, including pay. Can staff not get in? Is it leave, unpaid, or homeworking? Deciding this in January, site by site, produces five different answers and an HR problem. Deciding it in September produces one answer.
  • Check first aid and fire warden cover against the winter calendar. HSE’s guidance is direct: “You will also need to increase your provision to cover for absences”, and employers should consider “what cover is needed for annual leave and other planned absences” as well as “unplanned and exceptional absences”. Winter is when both spike at once.
  • Write your escalation thresholds down — see the worked example below — and get them signed off. Left to judgement, five site managers facing the same warning will make five different calls.
  • Review last winter’s incident log. Whatever failed last February will fail again unless someone changed it.
  • Register for the alerting services relevant to each site’s nation, per the table above.

October — order, before the market tightens

  • Place the orders identified in September. Ordering in October and ordering in December are materially different experiences. We are the supplier telling you this, so weight it accordingly — but the pattern is consistent enough that the whole timeline is built around it.
  • Salt and gritting stock. Note that the National Emergency Salt Reserve held by the Department for Transport and National Highways is “salt of last resort” for local highway authorities in England — it is sold to qualifying authorities under a protocol, not available to businesses. Your car park is entirely your own problem.
  • Count and refill grit bins, and name who is responsible for each. Half of them are empty by January because someone else took the salt.
  • Flood Action Week, which the Environment Agency usually runs in October (an England campaign, but a useful prompt estate-wide), is a natural prompt for a site-by-site flood plan review.
  • Test what you assume works — but test it properly. An off-load generator test proves the engine starts and very little else. What matters is an on-load test, the run time achievable on the fuel actually held, and fuel condition after a summer standing still.
  • Read the full NESO Winter Outlook when it publishes.

November — the season opens, and the ice starts

The Cold-Health Alert season begins on 1 November.

  • Gritting goes live. Under regulation 12 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (Great Britain; Northern Ireland has its own equivalent regulations, identically numbered, enforced by HSENI), floors and traffic routes must not be “uneven or slippery so as… to expose any person to a risk to his health or safety”, and must be kept free, so far as is reasonably practicable, of anything “which may cause a person to slip, trip or fall”. The Regulations define a traffic route to include ramps and loading bays, and cover private site roads used for access; public roads are excluded. The supporting Approved Code of Practice is explicit: “Arrangements should be made to minimise risks from snow and ice. This may involve gritting, snow clearing and closure of some routes, particularly outside stairs, ladders and walkways on roofs.” HSE’s practical advice on timing is that “the best times are early in evening before the frost settles and/or early in the morning before employees arrive.” HSE’s trigger is surface temperature, not air temperature: grit when “the floor temperatures are at, or below, freezing”. And keep the log: date, time, who, what was treated, which forecast was relied on. When a slip claim lands eighteen months later, the log is the defence.
  • Check heating against the number HSE expects you to justify departing from. Regulation 7 requires that “during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.” The Approved Code of Practice suggests the minimum “should normally be at least 16°C, or 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort.” That is guidance rather than a prescribed legal minimum, but it is the figure an inspector will start from.
  • Plan compliant temporary heating now, before a boiler fails and someone brings in an unflued portable gas heater. HSE identifies LPG equipment used in enclosed spaces as a carbon monoxide risk, requiring adequate ventilation and installation by a competent person; HSENI’s advice is that “only equipment designed to be used indoors should be brought inside”.
  • Rethink your evacuation, not just your fire plan. A 07:30 alarm in January puts people outside in the dark at 2°C, possibly for 45 minutes. Is the assembly point lit? Can it be reached without crossing untreated ice? Do wardens have torches, hi-vis, foil blankets and a means of accounting for people in the dark? A grab bag specified in summer is not the same bag.
  • Distribute vehicle kits — including to grey fleet, staff using their own cars on company business. HSE is clear that “vehicles should be properly equipped to operate in poor weather conditions such as snow, ice and high winds”, that employers should not “pressure drivers and riders to complete journeys where weather conditions are exceptionally difficult”, and should “support drivers and riders if they need to cancel a journey”.
  • Run a comms test. Can you reach every site manager within 30 minutes on a Sunday? Find out in November.

Late December — the window everyone forgets

Roughly 23 December to 2 January is the highest-risk window on most estates: buildings empty, heating on setback, skeleton or zero staff, keyholders abroad, contractors closed, deliveries stopped. Four things converge.

  • Frozen and burst pipes. Heating setback plus an empty building plus a freeze-thaw cycle is the classic escape-of-water loss. Check what your own property policy says about unoccupancy: conditions requiring drain-down or a maintained minimum temperature beyond a stated number of unoccupied days are common, and breaching one can affect cover.
  • Legionella on reopening. HSE’s HSG274 Part 2 advises that where outlets are not in regular use, “weekly flushing of these devices for several minutes can significantly reduce the risk of legionella proliferation”, and that systems taken out of use should be recommissioned “as though they were new” before returning to service. Two weeks of stagnation followed by everyone running the taps at once is exactly the scenario the guidance addresses.
  • Skeleton and agency cover. Who is the trained first aider on 28 December? Who is the fire warden? Have agency staff seen the assembly point — in the dark? Note also that PPE duties in Great Britain were extended to “limb (b)” casual and agency workers from 6 April 2022, and in Northern Ireland from 21 October 2024, so thermal PPE for outdoor workers is not an employees-only duty.
  • Roof and snow loading. Drifting against parapets and plant, blocked rainwater outlets, then a freeze. Post-snowfall inspection matters — but do not send anyone onto a snow-covered roof without a specific plan. HSE’s roof work guidance puts it plainly: “rain, ice or snow can make a secure footing as slippery as a skating rink”, and falls through fragile surfaces such as rooflights account for 22% of all fatal falls from height in construction.

January and February — operate

  • Put alerts on a rota, not a routine. Warnings arrive by email and push notification; nobody needs to go looking for them. What you need is a named duty person, out of hours included, with a phone that is on, and a documented handover each Friday. Winter’s worst weekends are the ones where three people each assumed one of the others was watching.
  • Apply your written thresholds rather than relitigating them each time a warning appears.
  • Watch January specifically, per NESO’s flag on tighter margins.
  • Plan for water supply interruption. Freeze-thaw bursts mains, and without drinking water and sanitary conveniences you are in breach of regulations 20 and 22 and liable to enforcement — regulation 22 requires “an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water… for all persons at work in the workplace”. Bottled water provision is a cheap hedge against a hard closure trigger.
  • Log every incident and near miss as it happens. Memory is unreliable by March.

March — close out

The Cold-Health Alert season ends on 31 March.

  • Debrief while it is fresh. What ran out? What was missing? Which site improvised, and with what?
  • Replenish immediately rather than deferring to autumn — the work is already scoped.
  • Feed the findings into the budget cycle, which for most organisations is being set right about then.

A worked threshold, to copy and argue with

Here is one to start from.

  • Amber warning for snow or ice covering the site, in force before 06:00 → gritting contractor called at 04:00; site opens late at 10:00; site manager confirms car park treated before staff arrive; no non-essential travel between sites.
  • Amber warning plus untreated car park at 06:00, or heating failure with internal temperature below 13°C (set higher, at 16°C, for sedentary work — see the ACOP figures above) → site closed for the day; homeworking where the role allows; adverse weather pay policy applies as written.
  • Red warning covering the site → site closed; nobody is asked to travel, including managers, including to check the building. Building checks resume when the warning lapses.
  • Two or more sites affected simultaneously → decision escalates from site manager to a named regional role, to keep the calls consistent across the estate.

What breaks when you scale this across an estate

Provision drifts. Stock standardised in year one diverges by year three as sites borrow, substitute and forget. The fix is one specification held centrally and audited physically — not a policy saying sites are responsible for themselves.

Response capacity is never where the incident is. Your best-resourced site is rarely the one that floods, and the weather that closes site A usually closes the road to site B. Mutual aid between sites is a plan that fails precisely when invoked. Each site needs to stand alone. The government’s Prepare campaign advises considering what supplies you might need “during an emergency lasting a few days”; we plan to 72 hours as a working convention.

Escalation decisions get made inconsistently. Five site managers facing the same amber warning will make five different calls. That is a specification problem, not a competence problem.

One note on this particular winter

As we covered in our El Niño article, the Met Office’s tilt for 2026–27 points mildly toward a wetter, windier autumn and early winter, and possibly a colder, calmer late winter — while stressing that such links are “far from guaranteed” and that it is “too early to draw firm conclusions”. Treat it as a tie-breaker, not a forecast. If it changes anything above, it slightly favours wind and surface-water work in the October column. It is not a reason to defer late-winter cold provision.

The short version

Winter is the one risk on your register with a publication schedule. What separates a manageable February from a bad one is unglamorous and it happens now: someone opens the actual cupboard at every site, someone signs the gritting contract before the market tightens, and someone writes down what “too severe to open” means before the first amber warning of the season.

If you would rather not build the specification yourself, that is the work we do: standardised winter and emergency provision written once and applied across every site, so you audit against one document instead of five. That covers winter site kits, vehicle and grey-fleet kits, emergency lighting and power, thermal and welfare provision, and bespoke solutions where the standard lines do not fit the site. We have been doing it for UK organisations since 2005. Talk to us about your requirements.

Car and fleet surival kit
Winter Car Kits

Sources

All sources below are UK government departments, regulators, the national meteorological service, or the relevant electricity system operator.

  1. Met Office — Weather warnings guide (National Severe Weather Warning Service) — https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/guides/warnings
  2. Met Office — Weather services for contingency planners (3-month outlook) — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/government/contingency-planners
  3. UKHSA — Weather-Health Alerting System — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/weather-health-alerting-system
  4. UKHSA — Cold-Health Alerting system: overview (applies to England) — https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cold-health-alerting-system-overview
  5. UKHSA blog — What is the difference between Weather-Health Alerts and Severe Weather Warnings?, 8 January 2026 — https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/08/what-is-the-difference-between-weather-health-alerts-and-severe-weather-warnings/
  6. Public Health Scotland — Adverse Weather and Health Plan 2024–2027 — https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/phs-adverse-weather-and-health-plan-2024-2027/phs-adverse-weather-and-health-plan-2024-2027/
  7. Environment Agency — Get flood warnings by text, phone or email — https://www.gov.uk/get-flood-warnings
  8. SEPA — Flooding and Floodline (Scotland) — https://beta.sepa.scot/flooding
  9. Natural Resources Wales — Sign up to receive flood warnings — https://naturalresources.wales/flooding/sign-up-to-receive-flood-warnings/?lang=en
  10. Department for Infrastructure (NI) — What is Flood Maps NI — https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/what-flood-maps-ni and nidirect — Reporting flooding — https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/reporting-flooding
  11. Environment Agency — National assessment of flood and coastal erosion risk in England 2024 — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-assessment-of-flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-in-england-2024 (6.3 million figure: EA announcement, 17 December 2024)
  12. Environment Agency — Public urged to get flood ready as Environment Agency launches Flood Action Week, 13 October 2025 — https://www.gov.uk/government/news/public-urged-to-get-flood-ready-as-environment-agency-launches-flood-action-week
  13. NESO — Winter Outlook (Early View, winter 2026/27, Great Britain) — https://www.neso.energy/publications/winter-outlook
  14. SONI — Maintaining secure electricity supply (Northern Ireland) — https://www.soni.ltd.uk/grid/maintaining-secure-electricity-supply
  15. Energy Networks Association — 105 service — https://www.energynetworks.org/work/105-service ; HM Government Prepare — power cuts — https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/power-cuts/
  16. HSE — Temperature in the workplace: what the law says — https://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/employer/the-law.htm
  17. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, regulations 7, 12, 20 and 22 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/contents (Northern Ireland equivalent: SR 1993 No. 37 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/1993/37/made)
  18. HSE — Workplace health, safety and welfare: Approved Code of Practice and guidance (L24), paragraph 116 — https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l24.pdf
  19. HSE — Slips and trips: frequently asked questions (gritting timing) — https://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/faq.htm
  20. HSE — Legionnaires’ disease: Part 2 — hot and cold water systems (HSG274) — https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg274part2.pdf
  21. HSE — First aid at work: your questions answered (INDG214) — https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg214.pdf
  22. HSE — Driving and riding safely for work: plan and manage journeys — https://www.hse.gov.uk/roadsafety/employer/plan-manage-journeys.htm
  23. HSE — Health and safety in roof work (HSG33), paragraph 64 — https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg33.pdf — and Fragile surfaces — https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/fragile.htm
  24. HSE — Carbon monoxide (LPG in enclosed spaces) — https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/carbon-monoxide.htm ; HSENI — Carbon monoxide dangers — https://www.hseni.gov.uk/news/carbon-monoxide-dangers-heating-appliances-and-generators-used-indoors
  25. HSE — PPE at work regulations 2022 (limb (b) workers, Great Britain, in force 6 April 2022) — https://www.hse.gov.uk/ppe/ppe-regulations-2022.htm — and The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024, SR 2024 No. 161, in operation 21 October 2024 — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisr/2024/161/made
  26. Department for Transport — National Emergency Salt Reserve: salt protocol — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/strategic-salt-protocol
  27. HM Government — Prepare campaign — https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/
  28. Met Office — El Niño declared for 2026 as Pacific warms, 11 June 2026 — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2026/el-nio-declared-for-2026-as-pacific-warms
  29. Met Office — Pacific Ocean warming signals the possible return of a strong El Niño, 15 April 2026 — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2026/met-office-what-is-el-nino-and-will-we-see-one-this-year

El Niño 2026–27: What It Means for UK Business Continuity — Directly and Through Global Supply Chains

If you are responsible for business continuity, facilities, health and safety or procurement at a UK organisation, you have probably seen El Niño in the headlines this summer and filed it under “interesting, but not ours”. That would be a reasonable instinct. El Niño is a Pacific Ocean phenomenon occurring thousands of kilometres from Britain, and the UK’s weather is governed by the Atlantic.

It would also be the wrong conclusion. The event now developing is forecast to be one of the strongest on record, and the official assessment is that any effects on the UK could well be felt most sharply not this year but in 2027 — and that they would arrive through food, freight and energy rather than through the weather forecast.

This article sets out what has actually been declared, what the UK can and cannot expect directly, where the genuine exposure sits for British organisations, and what a proportionate preparedness response looks like over the next eighteen months.

What has been declared, and how strong it is

On 2 June 2026 the World Meteorological Organization forecast that El Niño conditions were developing, putting the likelihood of an event during June–August 2026 at 80%, rising to around 90% thereafter. Onset was then formally declared by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on 11 June 2026, and an El Niño Advisory remains in force.

The numbers from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center ENSO diagnostic discussion of 9 July 2026:

  • The Niño-3.4 index — the standard measure of central Pacific sea-surface temperature anomaly — stood at +1.2°C.
  • There is a 97% probability the event persists through early spring 2027.
  • There is an 81% probability of a very strong El Niño during October–December 2026, potentially ranking among the largest events since records began in 1950.

The Met Office’s assessment, published on the day of NOAA’s declaration, is consistent. Sea-surface temperature anomalies in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are expected to exceed 2°C, and Professor Adam Scaife has described the event as “likely to be a significant event – perhaps one of the most intense on record.” The Met Office further notes that the event is expected to persist and grow through the remainder of the year, with 2027 potentially becoming the warmest year in the global series that begins in 1850.

For planning purposes, treat this as a high-confidence forecast of a large event, and a low-confidence forecast of exactly what it will do to Britain.

What the UK can expect directly — and the honesty this deserves

Here is where a lot of commentary overreaches, so it is worth being precise.

In its April 2026 assessment, the Met Office was explicit that El Niño’s influence on UK weather is indirect and unreliable:

“El Niño takes place thousands of kilometres away from north-west Europe, so its influence on UK weather is indirect. While there are sometimes links between El Niño events and European weather patterns, these are far from guaranteed.”

The Met Office adds that UK weather is shaped by many competing factors affecting the Atlantic jet stream, and that it is “too early to draw firm conclusions” about what this El Niño means for coming UK seasons.

Within those caveats, the Met Office’s June 2026 update does set out two tendencies — as a tilt in probability, not a forecast:

  • El Niño “can increase the likelihood of more unsettled conditions later in the year, including a higher chance of milder, wetter and windier weather during autumn and early winter.”
  • El Niño “can also be associated with colder and calmer late winter periods in the UK.”

Neither is strong enough to plan a business around on its own. What they justify is a bias in your winter preparations: if you are deciding where to put limited resilience budget this autumn, wind and surface-water flooding are marginally better bets than snow — while keeping late-winter cold provision intact rather than deferring it.

The operationally useful move here is not to guess. The Met Office publishes a 3-month outlook for contingency planners, provided to the contingency planning community on behalf of the Cabinet Office, specifically for organisations making this class of decision. Building a review of it into your quarterly continuity meeting is a far better basis for a decision than a newspaper headline.

Where the real UK exposure sits

The House of Commons Library briefing on what a strong El Niño could mean for the UK points in a clear direction. It notes that “increased flooding, storms, wildfires and droughts across the world could lead to crop losses and supply chain disruption, which could affect the UK”, while direct European weather links “can be hard to predict”. It also states that the effects of El Niño on global temperature and rainfall “are generally most pronounced in the second year after an El Niño develops”, and that European effects often lag the event itself and “could result in weather in 2027”.

In other words: the exposure that matters for most UK organisations runs through global disruption rather than through the British weather forecast, and 2027 is the year to plan around.

Four channels matter for UK organisations.

1. Food and agricultural commodities

El Niño tends to suppress rainfall across a recognisable set of agricultural regions. The Food and Agriculture Organization identified the highest-risk zones on 22 June 2026, noting that across the Sahel, Southern Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Central America’s Dry Corridor and the Caribbean, “some agricultural and pastureland areas face more than a 50 percent chance of drought”:

  • Southern Africa — Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique and Madagascar. FAO notes the 2023–24 cycle left 61 million people in need of assistance.
  • Central America and the Caribbean — a 70% probability of below-normal rainfall across the region, particularly the Dry Corridor.
  • South and Southeast Asia — Pakistan, India, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Timor-Leste, where a weakened monsoon hits rice and maize during critical growing windows.
  • The Sahel — from Senegal and Mauritania across Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, and into Ethiopia and Sudan.

FAO and the World Food Programme have launched a joint appeal for $202 million to protect 8.8 million people across 22 high-risk countries.

The UK connection is direct. Defra’s UK Food Security Digest 2025 puts the UK production-to-supply ratio at 65% for all food and 77% for indigenous-type food — meaning roughly a third of what Britain eats is imported. The Digest also documents how overseas climate events transmit into UK prices: Brazilian coffee production forecast down 5%, cocoa peaking at USD 10.75/kg in January 2025 on West African supply concerns, and food price inflation running at 5.1% by August 2025, above general inflation.

What this means for you: if your organisation provides catering, holds welfare stock, runs a canteen, or has contracted food provision in its continuity plan, expect price pressure and possible substitution on specific lines through 2027. Organisations that hold emergency food provision should be reviewing now, while stock and pricing are stable, rather than in the middle of a squeeze.

2. Supply chains and freight

The WMO Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, has been direct that El Niño’s effects reach “agriculture, energy supplies, trade, water resources, supply chains, and livelihoods.”

The practical mechanisms are drought affecting inland waterways and canal transits, flooding closing ports and road links, and tropical cyclone activity redistributing across ocean basins. None of these is predictable at the level of a single shipment. Taken together, though, they make a reasonable planning assumption out of the idea that lead times on imported goods will be less reliable in 2027 than they are today.

What this means for you: if any part of your emergency, first aid or welfare provision depends on imported components — and most of it does — the sensible planning assumption is longer and more variable lead times next year. Bring forward scheduled replenishment rather than running stock down to the reorder point.

3. Energy and utilities

Milder-than-average autumn conditions reduce heating demand; a cold, calm late-winter block does the opposite while simultaneously reducing wind generation. That combination — high demand, low wind — is the one that stresses the system.

The Cabinet Office’s National Risk Register, updated in July 2026, sets out national-level power failure as one of the most serious risks facing the UK. As we covered in Lessons from the Iberian Blackout, a modern grid event escalates into a welfare and communications problem within hours for organisations that assumed continuity of supply.

What this means for you: El Niño does not create this risk, but it slightly raises the odds of the specific weather pattern that tests it. Provision that does not depend on mains power — lighting, communications, heat, water, food — is the relevant hedge, and it is useful in a dozen other scenarios too.

4. Overseas staff, sites and partners

If your organisation has people, suppliers or operations in the regions FAO has flagged, the exposure is not abstract. Drought, flooding and disease-vector shifts in those regions will affect staff welfare, site access and supplier viability well before they affect UK prices.

A proportionate response: what to actually do

The UK Government’s Prepare campaign frames preparedness as a set of straightforward, non-alarmist steps. The same logic applies at organisational scale. This is not a case for emergency spending; it is a case for bringing routine resilience work forward and biasing it in a known direction.

Before winter 2026:

  1. Review your welfare and emergency food provision — check expiry dates and quantities while supply and pricing are stable. Freeze-dried provision with a long shelf life is specifically useful here because it takes the decision off next year’s table entirely.
  2. Bias winter preparation toward wind, storm and surface-water flooding rather than snow, while retaining cold provision for late winter.
  3. Build the Met Office 3-month outlook for contingency planners into your quarterly review cycle. It is designed for exactly this decision.
  4. Bring forward replenishment of anything with an imported supply chain — first aid consumables, water purification, lighting, batteries.

During 2027 — the year the Commons Library flags:

  1. Stress-test the assumption that you can buy what you need at short notice. Most continuity plans quietly assume a functioning just-in-time supply chain. That assumption is exactly what a strong El Niño year erodes.
  2. Check shelter-in-place provision for sites that cannot simply send people home — data centres, control rooms, care settings, secure facilities.
  3. Review overseas duty-of-care arrangements against the FAO risk regions if you have staff or operations there.

The uncomfortable summary

The strongest El Niño in a generation is very likely to produce, for the UK, no single dramatic weather event that anyone will remember. What it is more likely to produce is a year in which food costs more, deliveries take longer, and the emergency stock you meant to replenish turns out to be on a long lead time.

That is not the sort of risk that generates urgency. It is the sort that rewards organisations who did routine things slightly earlier than they had to.

If you would like help reviewing your organisation’s emergency and welfare provision ahead of winter — or specifying bespoke site provision for staff who cannot leave — our team has been doing exactly this work for UK organisations since 2005. Get in touch, or explore our workplace and office emergency kits, emergency grab bags and emergency food provision.

EVAQ8 with 20 years of experience we deliver expertly built emergency kits and supplies trusted by individuals and businesses

Sources

All sources below are government departments, national meteorological services, UN agencies or the UK Parliament.

  1. Met Office — El Niño declared for 2026 as Pacific warms — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2026/el-nio-declared-for-2026-as-pacific-warms
  2. Met Office — Pacific Ocean warming signals the possible return of a strong El Niño, 15 April 2026 — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/blog/2026/met-office-what-is-el-nino-and-will-we-see-one-this-year
  3. NOAA Climate Prediction Center — ENSO Diagnostic Discussion, issued 9 July 2026. Current discussion: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.shtml — archived discussions: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ (note: the CPC reissues this page monthly; cite the dated archive copy after publication)
  4. World Meteorological Organization — El Niño/La Niña Update, May–June 2026 — https://wmo.int/resources/publication-series/el-ninola-nina-updates/el-ninola-nina-update-may-2026 ; reported via UN News, 2 June 2026 — https://news.un.org/en/story/2026/06/1167620
  5. UN Food and Agriculture Organization — El Niño is coming. Here is where the risks to agriculture are highest, 22 June 2026 — https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/el-nino-is-coming-here-is-where-the-risks-to-agriculture-are-highest/en
  6. House of Commons Library — What might a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño mean for the UK?, CBP-10901, 15 June 2026 — https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10901/
  7. Defra — United Kingdom Food Security Digest 2025, published 11 December 2025 — https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/united-kingdom-food-security-digest-2025/united-kingdom-food-security-digest-2025
  8. Cabinet Office — National Risk Register 2026, published 14 July 2026 — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-risk-register-2026
  9. Met Office — Weather services for contingency planners (3-month outlook) — https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/services/government/contingency-planners
  10. HM Government — Prepare campaign — https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/

When the Lights Go Out: Lessons from the Iberian Blackout for UK Households

On Monday, April 28, 2025, a massive and unprecedented power outage plunged much of Spain and Portugal into darkness, disrupting daily life for millions. The blackout, which began around 12:30 p.m. local time, halted public transportation, disabled traffic lights, cut off mobile networks, and forced hospitals to rely on backup generators. Airports, including Madrid-Barajas, faced delays, and even major events like the Madrid Open tennis tournament were suspended .​Reuters+2CBS News+2AP News+2NPR+5The Washington Post+5Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre+5

The cause? A sudden loss of 15 gigawatts of power—about 60% of Spain’s electricity demand—within just five seconds. This triggered a cascade failure, disconnecting the Iberian grid from the rest of Europe. While investigations continue, possible factors include technical faults, atmospheric disturbances, or issues with the interconnection between Spain and France .​El País+3The Guardian+3Wikipédia, l’encyclopédie libre+3Wikipédia, l’encyclopédie libre+3Reuters+3The Washington Post+3

Understanding “Black Start”

In the aftermath, grid operators faced the daunting task of a “black start”—restoring power without external electricity sources. This complex process involves sequentially bringing power stations online to re-energize the grid. The challenge is compounded in regions with high renewable energy penetration, as solar and wind generators typically lack the inertia and frequency control provided by traditional thermal plants .​The Guardian+2Ars Technica+2AP News+2The Guardian More information about the incident in Spain from JKempEnergy Spanish Blackout Possible Causes – latest

Why This Matters for the UK

Though the UK was not directly affected, this event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in modern power grids. With increasing reliance on interconnected systems and renewable energy sources, the risk of widespread outages—even in countries with robust infrastructure—cannot be ignored.​

Preparing for the Unexpected

In light of such events, it’s prudent for UK households to consider their own preparedness. A well-equipped emergency kit can make a significant difference during power outages or other emergencies. Essential items include:​

  • Water: At least 2 liters per person per day.​
  • Non-perishable food: Enough for 72 hours.​
  • First aid kit: Including necessary medications.​
  • Flashlights and batteries: To navigate in the dark.​
  • Portable radio: To stay informed when other communication channels fail.​ BBC News
  • Charged power banks: To keep mobile devices operational.​
  • Cash: In small denominations, as ATMs and card machines may not work.​El País

EVAQ8: Supporting Your Preparedness

At EVAQ8, we specialize in providing high-quality emergency preparedness supplies tailored to various needs. Our range includes ready-made 72-Hour kits and customizable options to ensure you and your family are equipped to handle unexpected situations.​

Conclusion

The Iberian blackout underscores the importance of being prepared for emergencies. By taking proactive steps now, UK residents can enhance their resilience against potential disruptions in the future.

​Foodcom S.A.+11Reuters+11NPR+11

For more information on building your emergency kit and to explore our range of products, visit EVAQ8.

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Sources

Winter Car Kits: Your Essential Companion for Safe and Prepared Journeys in 2024

As the frosty fingers of winter extend across the UK, ensuring you are well-equipped for potential challenges on the road becomes paramount. In 2023, with unpredictable weather patterns and increasingly busy lifestyles, the importance of a comprehensive winter car kit has never been more significant. In this blog, we delve into what a winter car kit is and why every vehicle owner in the UK should consider having one.

What is a Winter Car Kit?

A winter car kit is a collection of essential items designed to aid drivers during the cold and often unpredictable winter months. This kit is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for safety and preparedness. With the ever-changing UK weather, ranging from icy roads to sudden snowfalls, a well-stocked winter car kit can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a perilous situation.

Essential Components of a Winter Car Kit in 2023/4

1. Ice Scraper and De-icer: A basic yet crucial tool. Ice scrapers and de-icer sprays are indispensable for maintaining visibility. With the UK’s frosty mornings, these tools help you clear your windshield and windows quickly and effectively.

2. Torch and Batteries: Power outages or night-time breakdowns are always a possibility. A durable torch, preferably LED for longer life, along with a spare set of batteries, can be a lifesaver.

3. Warm Clothing and Blankets: The UK’s winter can be unforgiving. Extra warm clothing, gloves, and blankets are essential, especially if you find yourself stranded or waiting for assistance.

4. First Aid Kit: Always useful in any situation, a well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have in your winter car kit.

5. Roadside Assistance Information: Ensure you have contact details for your roadside assistance provider. In 2023, many providers offer apps that can also be useful in emergencies.

6. Portable Phone Charger: With our reliance on smartphones for navigation and communication, a portable charger is crucial, particularly in cold weather which can drain battery life faster.

7. Non-perishable Snacks and Water: These are vital, particularly if you’re stuck for a prolonged period. High-energy snacks and bottled water can make a significant difference.

8. Shovel: A compact, foldable shovel can be a great asset if your vehicle gets stuck in snow.

9. Antifreeze: Keep your engine running smoothly with a supply of antifreeze, a necessity in freezing temperatures.

10. Traction Aids: Consider carrying sand, cat litter, or traction mats to help if your car becomes stuck in snow or ice.

Why You Need a Winter Car Kit in the UK

The UK’s winter weather can be unpredictable and often severe. Having a winter car kit ensures that you are prepared for any eventuality, from breakdowns to being stranded due to weather conditions. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about safety. Being prepared can reduce the risk of accidents and help you cope effectively if you encounter problems.

Updating Your Kit for the 2023/24 Season

Technology and products evolve, so updating your winter car kit is important. Check the expiry dates on any perishable items, replace used or outdated items, and consider the latest gadgets that can make your winter journey safer and more comfortable.

Conclusion

As we navigate the winter of 2023/24, let’s do so with safety and preparedness at the forefront. A well-prepared winter car kit is an investment in your well-being and peace of mind. It ensures that no matter what the UK winter throws your way, you are ready to face it head-on. Remember, it’s not just about having the kit; it’s about regularly checking and updating it to ensure everything is in working order. Stay safe and prepared this winter!

For more information and ideas on preparing for winter or to stock up on your winter car kit essentials. Stay ahead of the winter curve in 2024!

Winter Car Kit includes tools, long-life food and drink, as well as items for sheltering and warmth and

Winter breakdown kit for vans, SUVs and light commercial vehicles

Emergency Preparedness matters: heatwave, fire, storm and flooding – summer 2018

It’s been an amazing summer 2018, one that in the UK has been compared to the previous record-setting heatwave in 1976 such as in this BBC article . No matter how you draw the comparison (and the article has some interesting graphs) one change in the intervening 42 years is certain: global average temperatures have risen and this is set to continue.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. They trigger serious air pollution alerts and are dangerous to human health. I’m not looking forward to this year’s figures being released but in the 2003 pan-European heatwave there were over 2000 excessive deaths in the UK alone as also mentioned in our UK preparedness awareness video. Public Health England has a useful blog on why some people suffer during heatwaves.    

Heatwaves also connect to fires and this year has been bad all around, terrifyingly illustrated in Wildfires around the world: the photos that explain the flames.

The UK also suffered massively and prevention is more than a fire service issue, research showing that informal local and national  partnerships are key.

Again, it’s about building capabilities and capacities at community and personal level and that starts with being cued in about personal fire safety preparedness. The heat eventually breaks with thunderstorms and torrential rain leading to localised flooding. This year, flooding in Europe was again common and with devastating consequences. A few examples illustrate the danger and devastation from France and my native Switzerland:

Luckily, so far the UK has gotten off relatively lightly – but then we’re only just about half way through August. The exception here is Northern Ireland. Read the next tweet slowly and let that number sink in, for it can happen anywhere with little or no warning

Thankfully, a flood relief scheme was activated for domestic properties but may not reach all affected. Small business are typically not covered either. This is why personal preparedness and insurance are so important. Most people are not adequately covered nor know enough about preparedness.And it is of course at this point I plug our emergency preparedness hub which links to lots of relevant and useful resources for you to check out. Also thankfully and as of 1st July 2018, the Met Office now issues official thunderstorm warnings, a first in its 164 year history! 

Brilliant! Early warning is key of course so make sure you are #weatheraware and tune in regularly. Another excellent way to do this is via the Met Office weather app. In addition you need a low-tech backup such as a trusty wind-up radio which should be standard kit in your emergency grab bag.  Want to know and do more? Then don’t miss this year’s September is Preparedness Month #30days30waysUK campaign.

Have a brilliant rest of August!

Monika

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The Great British Summer, #weatheraware #floodaware and better personal preparedness

May is always a special time in the UK with not one but two Bank Holiday Weekends giving us all some cherished time off. What a stunner they were, quite literally with glorious weather turning nasty quite quickly and in a sense – sadly and tragically for some – going from ‘heaven to hell’ rather fast as I’ve written about earlier in Disaster Preparedness – what Disaster? Why Preparedness?

Did you witness this?

 

Local help was quick and is another excellent showcase for UK Community Resilience, the power of volunteering and how it pays to be kind

… but despite best efforts, tragedy struck

 

Better personal preparedness saves lives and property. This concerns us all as we are experiencing the consequences of living in a world that is 2C or more warmer. Pro-active preparedness is key and there is much that everyone can do including better personal safety and better personal preparedness.  It’s all about personal capacities and capabilities and what that exactly means (what you must plan and prepare for) and looks like is different for every person. However, it all starts the same way for everybody:

GET A KIT. MAKE A PLAN. BE INFORMED.

 

 

This website and blog offers lots of very useful tips so take a good look around and start building your personal preparedness today. Head to our preparedness hub, browse the blog navigation here on the right as well as the top navigation of the website. And remember to follow us on social media for more info, updates and resources.

Summer 2018 is here! Enjoy it and stay safe at home and during your travels. Always stay #weatheraware#floodaware, know about #preparedness and be better prepared.

Monika
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Cold Wave – beyond Cold Weather Action to Personal Preparedness

Have you seen some of the lovely snow and ice pictures floating around on social media since yesterday? This blog about Cold Weather Preparedness is the exact opposite from my earlier post on Heatwave – beyond Heat Health Watch to Personal Preparedness back in June. Since we are pretty firmly on a path where we need to Prepare for a world that’s more than 2°C warmer  which translates into more frequent and severe weather events, personal preparedness really does make a lot of sense. You can take pro-active steps to be better prepared and stay well and healthy also with regards to being #WinterReady.  So….

What is personal preparedness for a cold wave?

First, it’s about being informed which then means you can get better prepared. Let’s break this down and a good example here is this post from the Northamptonshire Emergency Planning Team. Take a closer look at the graphic:

The UK’s MetOffice issues Cold Weather Action alerts as part of ‘Cold Weather Health Watch’.  This system operates in England from the 1 November to 31 March every year and runs in association with Public Health England. Currently there is a level three AMBER warning in place which for the authorities means that social and healthcare services must execute specific actions with regards to high-risk population groups such as the very young, the elderly or those with certain chronic health conditions. What exactly happens on the government side, you can find out on the Cold Weather Plan for England. Importantly, you can take personal steps to be better prepared. Cold weather can mean snow and ice which, if you’re out may look like this

Naturally, it makes a lot of sense to prepare yourself and your vehicle properly before setting out. Stay updated on the weather and road conditions and allow for plenty of time. This blog, naturally, recommends proper winter driving preparedness, for example:

Personal #Preparedness matters | https://t.co/KIqCuQazkD#RoadSafety#HealthandSafety#WinterReady#car#travel#weekend#driving#snow#ice#RTC#crash#delays#weatheraware#preparedpic.twitter.com/G9l6GHlDNk

— EVAQ8 Emergency Kits (@EVAQ8_news)

… and listen to Dave, he has excellent advice for the enthusiastic:

 

In addition, preparing properly for a Cold Wave also concerns your home; for example see our info page on severe winter preparedness.  Keep in mind that freezing temperatures, snow and ice have other consequences, such as power cuts  which may also impact your home food safety .  Therefore, you may want to consider some basic shelter-in-place measures and stocking the right emergency food which you can prepare and enjoy even when utilities become disrupted.
Keeping warm is key during a cold weather alert. There are easy and simple steps you can take to stay safe at home and when going out:

  •  keep your main rooms heated, use extra blankets
  •  take extra care with electrical items and be #FireSafety aware
  • dress in layers and keep active
  • take extra care when out and about to avoid accidents
  • stay #weatheraware, have the right kit and supplies

Finally, a super

TOP TIP for Cold Weather preparedness

… and you will laugh for it’s a very small thing. Carry an emergency foil blanket in your backpack or handbag. It’s cheap, hardly takes up space nor adds weight and is a potential life saver. And that, by the way, applies for business too which should always stock emergency blankets as part of their business preparedness.

 

And so I leave you with a couple of lovely winter images and wish you a warm and prepared rest of the week and a cosy and safe weekend #StaySafe #bePrepared.

Monika

 

If you like this post, please share it to help raise awareness for Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

thank you for sharing!

For more EVAQ8 blog simply use the right hand navigation. For emergency kits and practical resources use the top navigation. For FREE resources head over to our Preparedness Hub and find out why we use humour. If you like this post, please share it to help raise awareness for Emergency and Disaster Preparedness. Thank you!

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It pays to be #winterready and  better prepared. Avoid being stranded! Check out our info page What goes into a Winter Car Emergency Kit .

 

Heatwave – beyond Heat Health Watch to Personal Preparedness

What an amazingly beautiful HOT weekend we’ve just enjoyed and are promised much more to come the rest of this summer! Yet a heatwave can have quite serious consequences some of which are perhaps well less known. Mostly people talk about health effects and there is a so called Heat Health Watch, for example

 

 

With regards to national preparedness, the Heatwave plan for England kicks in every year on the 1st June and runs to mid September. But what about personal preparedness?

Heatwaves affect anyone says the British Red Cross, especially older people, children and babies and people suffering from certain chronic conditions. Yet heatwaves not only affect health.  Our Preparedness for Heatwave page explains like this tweet:

So in addition to health, you need to be better prepared for power cuts such as brownouts and blackouts. Thankfully, power is usually restored pretty quickly. However, if you suffer an extended power cut the numbers to remember for food safety are 2 hours and 5°C. Fresh food left at above 5°C for 2 hours may spoil and in the most severe cases may lead to food poisoning. Also see guidance on refrigerated food and power outages and frozen food and power outages and check out our blog on Modern Emergency Food Storage which is ideal as preparedness measures. But enough about food! In this heat you’ll probably focus less on food but simply on how to cope in hot weather (and hopefully won’t get stuck in elevators or worse!). Dehydration symptoms can quickly sneak up on you so be aware and drink plenty of cool water even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Drinking plenty of water keeps your system going but you may still find you’re feeling uncomfortably hot, especially if like all of us you want to or have to keep active. So here is a quick cheeky fix, a bit of personal preparedness on the fly on how to stay cool

Be cool – stay cool! #prepared  :-)

Monika     .. and heatwave preparedness is for pets too:

 

 

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The Guardian 21June2017 UK heatwave brings hottest June day for 40 years

UK Community Resilience: Flood Action Groups and Volunteer Major Incident Response Teams lead the way

An update on the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum NYLRF Community Resilience and Emergency Plan scheme

Back in October 2015 I first introduced you to UK Community Resilience – a brilliant example of what really works and a follow up of the project. Several seasons of storms and flooding later as well as post 2016 National Flood Resilience Review, it’s high time I update you on progress, for much has indeed happened at North Yorkshire Resilience Forum (NYLRF) to raise community resilience and get people better prepared.

The pilot project originally started with 11 trail blazing communities two years ago reaching around 22’000 people. Now take a look at how this project has grown to include all these communities:

North Yorkshire Communi Resilience map

Green means Community Emergency Plans completed and orange means Community Emergency Plans are under way. This is amazing progress! 🙂 The map is updated regularly and you can see it for yourself by visiting the NYLRF Community Emergency Plans page (click the black and white map there to get to the live one).

One of the communities that has been on board since the word ‘go’ is Tadcaster Flood Action Group. They have a brilliant website and are also on twitter @TadFloodGroup and  facebook so check them out.

Tadcaster Flood Action Group

Their team of dedicated volunteers simply do amazing work and have vast experience since their town was divided by the famous bridge collapse thanks to the terrible 2015 winter storms namely Storm Eva and Storm Frank.

This year, to raise awareness even further, Tadcaster Flood Action Group is planning a bi-monthly newsletter distributed via the website, email and leaflet drop at properties at risk in Tadcaster and I for one cannot wait to see their first edition. Networking and organising local evens are, naturally, also on the agenda and they work with communities such as Ulleskelf Flood Action Group, Newton Kyme and Kirby Wharfe, sharing knowledge and experience to keep communities safe from flooding and build community resilience.

Community Preparedness Kits form one important aspect of the NYLRF Emergency Plan Scheme (together with plans and training), providing tools and resources to those on the front line.

Nicola Eades from Tadcaster Flood Action Group says:

“The community resilience kit which we received has been absolutely fabulous and is a kit that we have in our central base. It simply gives the group peace of mind and a preparation tool having it to hand.”

 

Robin Derry, senior Emergency Planner at North Yorkshire and creator of the NYLRF community resilience scheme already looks ahead, saying:

“The success shown by communities such as Tadcaster is helping to promote this scheme to other communities across the county resulting in a rapid upturn in community preparedness. The added incentive of a free emergency kit is definitely a bonus.

We have a number of events planned across the coming months to promote the scheme further and long list of communities wanting to get up and running with a plan.”

 

In addition, another recent successful example, Ingleton, has been reported in the press:

Ingleton Community Emergency Preparedness Plan

 

But it does not end here. In addition to Flood Action, I want to also tell you about another NYLRF collaboration to tackle community resilience from yet another vital angle: mental health. Meet Alex Sutcliffe and her Major Incident Response Team (MIRT) who will offer support in the aftermath of a traumatic incident such as major flooding to help those who may have been affected:


Find out more about what they do on the Post Incident Support page on the NYRLF website and keep your eyes on this blog which will soon post more about  @alexsutcliffe24 work who explains:

“The MIRT team are a very special team of volunteers who are always ready and willing to be called out to support communities or individuals through a traumatic experience.  We do this by offering emotional and practical support, whenever and wherever it is needed.  The MIRT bags from EVAQ8 have been invaluable as an additional resource to allow the volunteers to be prepared and raring to go with ‘life essentials’ and short notice.
When communities or individuals need the assistance of one or more of the MIRT volunteers, it is at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.  Being evacuated from your home at short notice can leave you feeling very vulnerable and ‘out of control’.  The skills of the MIRT team, ensure that anyone in our care is well looked after and kept safe until such a time that they are able to return to their own homes.”

 

The creation of this special team is a UK first and so all must be hugely congratulated for getting this off the ground.

 

Building community resilience in the UK remains a top priority and the NYLRF model approach is a brilliant example that works.

Hazards and risks are many, not just flooding as we are preparing for a world that’s a least 2°C warmer.

Clearly, Resilience and Preparedness roadblocks  have not damped the spirits of the many dedicated emergency planners and volunteers that make it happen in Yorkshire. It is my sincere hope that their example will go on to inspire many. Why not consider starting a Flood Action or Community Preparedness Group in your area? Get in touch with your Local Resilience Forum and find out what opportunities there are.

Be prepared – not scared!

Monika

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added on 25Sep2017 as part of 30days30waysUK#prep2017day25 #preparedCommunity

Safe Evacuation: ‘mass’ evacuation and why ‘self’ evacuation preparedness makes a lot of sense

updated 24/06/2017

Mass evacuation is (mostly) self-evacuation – what you need to know.

Part 2 of  ‘Safe Evacuation – what exactly does safe evacuation look like?’  and ‘Safe Evacuation: tall buildings, tower blocks: why Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans and Emergency Preparedness tools are essential’ (tip: follow the blog category ‘Safe Evacuation’ on the right hand navigation).

The first post in this series looked at what an evacuation is (the immediate and urgent movement of people out of harm’s way to a safe location) and under what circumstances it may occur. It stayed pretty much within the familiar bounds of small scale evacuations from a home or a building of ‘regular’ size. Now I want to begin tackling another fascinating aspect which is ‘mass evacuation’. Timely and ironically perhaps I post this at the very moment a mass evacuation is actually under way in Florida and the Carolinas CNN Hurricane Matthew mass evacuation

 

Mass Evacuation: not relevant in peace-time UK ? Think again.

Other than the ‘regular’ emergency evacuations usually inconveniencing relatively small numbers of people because of suspicious packages (ie airports, train stations, high street, shops, shopping centres, and offices etc), sudden finds of unexploded WW devices (Southwark) and even sinking ferries you may remember these two major incidents:

      • 2005 Birmingham evacuates approximately 20,000 people following a security alert

 

       Neither, however, actually classifies as ‘mass evacuation’. According to the Mass Evacuation Framework (2014) by the London Resilience Partnership, evacuating 5,000 or 20,000 people is still ‘just’ a so called ‘medium scale evacuation’. Nevertheless, the Holbon electrical fire on 01 April 2015 is a good example and here is why. In the words of Gary Squires from the London Fire Brigade (BBC)

 “lots of people had “self-evacuated” from nearby buildings and it was only the ones on Kingsway that had been evacuated by the authorities.”

This illustrates the point I’m making about the importance of self-evacuation and the need for better preparedness. Why? Because many workers and students were unable to return for several days (36 hour blaze), having left behind wallets, phones, keys and other important personal items in their hurry to get to safety. Thankfully no one was hurt and the incident happened on a relatively fine spring day, not in the middle of rush hour or during severe weather. It would have been a different story.

I also want to mention the 7/7 bombing. Police estimate  4,000 people were caught up in the blasts in some way, many forced to self-evacuate. One of those people was my colleague Ben who has written here on school emergency preparedness. He will talk about his experience in a separate post. For now, I simply wish well all those currently caught up in the events of Hurricane Matthew and stress that preparedness is important and actually quite easy and straight forward where ever you are in the world.

UK organisations and businesses I urge to very seriously consider expanding your capacities and include Workplace Emergency Kits in your Health and Safety, Security and Business Continuity planning.  Considering how much such a simple and cost-effective step reduces your risks it is well worth the minor investment. A small item like a Personal Evacuation Pack to which items relevant to the individual have been added can make a real difference.    

Monika    

This post is also accessed by bit.ly/MassEVAC. 

 thank you for sharing and raising awareness for Emergency Preparedness

 

 

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Prepare for a world that’s more than 2° C warmer | Climate Change

updated 25June2017

That’s the UN’s most recent analysis. The world – us – will have emitted enough carbon to warm the planet by 2°C  by the year 2036, that’s just 20 years down the road!

“I think it is clear [the targets] will fall well short of what is required for any reasonable probability of avoiding 2° C”

So says Alice Bows-Larkin, Professor in Climate Science & Energy Policy of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in Manchester UK as quoted in The New Scientist edition No 3046 of 7 November 2015 I’m reading this Remembrance Sunday (italics added by me; read the extended article online at The climate fact no one will admit: 2 °C warming is inevitable).

Barring any sudden personal tragedies or the ability to resettle on a different planet, this will impact us all: me, my family and friends as well as you, your family and friends.

What will a world be like with ‘just’ 2°C extra heat  – do we actually know?

I’ve heard people joke that they are looking forward to warmer and sunnier days. Well, now that would be lovely indeed, especially if you live quite far north (or south). Joke aside; it is actually an interesting reaction and not necessarily one born out of simple ignorance. For example, Freudian’s would point and say: classic denial, one of the most primitive defence mechanisms, a refusal to accept reality to avoid painful feelings. Cognitive psychologists would describe it i.e. as optimism bias and/or discounting, limitations on our rational cognitive processes  (i.e. see earlier post Resilience and Preparedness Roadblocks: what stops us?) It’s probably a bit of all of the above plus a good sprinkling of individual beliefs, personal experiences and personality.

Reality is, however that we will be getting more than just warmer and sunnier days. The crux of the problem is, nobody really knows just exactly what it all means. Climate change is one of the most urgent and profoundly complex challenges we face.

Better and better models – but we are really running out of time

Vast amounts of data feed numerous models every day (i.e. MetOffice) yet in the end they are just that: models, an approximation to reality.

At best, models attempt to explain and hopefully predict the future. How accurately? Well, that remains to be seen. The ukclimateprojections.metoffice data and projections many still use may well be outdated (2009 PDF) because they assume ‘medium’ emission scenarios.

A 2°C warmer world – some reasonable predictions: heatwaves and flooding

Warmer means more heatwaves

 

Serious Climate Change Problem: how to stay cool

Running air conditioners is the short-sighted answer. This is problematic not just because of guzzling energy which may overload the grid but also because it creates and dumps a lot of hot exhaust, adding to the problem rather than reducing it. Where we currently stand with producing not only efficient but also sustainable air conditioning systems is somewhat unclear(see The Guardian). Spraying or dousing heat stressed people with water only works to some extent as Dr Sundeep Dhillon recently explained at the Extreme Medicine Expo,  personal factors such as fitness and acclimatization status play a huge role. Treating heat illness will increasingly become a hot topic very soon. Undoubtedly we will see more of this:     

Warmer also means more flooding because of more severe weather events. There is a very good chance that the weather will not play by ‘our rules’ as per our models. Exceptional may well become the new normal which means more of this:

Yemen just this week, twice in quick succession:

Cape Verde in late August / early September

Flooding also happens because of rising sea levels. Thermostatic expansion, a volume and height increase as sea water warms plays a role as does melting ice. Some recent predictions are dire for coastal cities such as San Francisco:

Image from Coastal News Today, an well respected publication.

Models and projections while essential, don’t necessarily provide solutions. Models don’t’ fix.

Engineering, although playing a hugely important role to i.e. retrofitting, reinforcing and saving infrastructure, building in more resilient ways for the future, can also be problematic as The Rockefeller Foundation recently highlighted:

We need more than just design solutions, however. We also will need real alternatives to insurance for while a 2°C World Might Be Insurable, A 4°C World Certainly Would Not Be and we are heading there fast. We need a change in attitudes. We need a sense that we individually can really do something, change behavior, change culture and change our world for the better.  It means a serious interest and investment in disaster risk reduction. At the most fundamental level,  it all starts with prepared individuals that can achieve realistic confidence in the face of crisis. So, what is your Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Plan? Check our free resources and look through some of the earlier posts here.

Have a great week.

Monika

 

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UK Community Resilience – a brilliant example of what really works

A couple of posts ago when talking about heatwaves I casually mentioned some exciting developments in how EVAQ8 is getting involved in Community Resilience in England’s largest county. If you thought Yorkshire you were right. Actually, I was referring to North Yorkshire, with 3212 square miles of glorious landscape and many diverse communities one of the most fascinating places in the UK – or so I think, impatient to explore and take my camera up north at the next opportunity.

But let me start at the beginning and introduce you to the simply brilliant North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum or NYLRF team. They are doing something new and amazing:  they’ve come up with a robust plan to engage their local people pro-actively with Emergency and Disaster Preparedness.

The best bit is: their strategy is really working and I am thrilled and honored to share these developments with you as we go along. For this is where all this gets really exiting: it is an active work in progress right now which means we are at the very forefront of some pretty ground-breaking stuff:

the NYLRF Community Emergency Plan Scheme

Preparedness & Planning – first some background: why, who, where and what

The ‘why’ is easy: it’s the law. Since 2004 under the Civil Contingency’s Act, Category 1 responders have a duty to prepare and plan for emergencies. There are 38 Local Resilience Forums in England and 5 in Wales which are at the core of the national network that also includes ReadyScotland and Northern Ireland Civil Contingencies Branch.

Not only must the LRFs warn and inform the public, they also must promote preparedness and resilience to businesses (Business Continuity) and to the public in general. Naturally it’s a bit more complex than that but for my purposes here that about covers the who, where and what. However, I’ve not touched on the concept of Community Resilience everyone is talking about these days just yet. So….

What is ‘Community Resilience’ and how does it tie in with Preparedness and Planning?

Definitions are important as they help make a concept practical which in turn triggers policy changes and the flow of resources (see earlier post What Disaster, Why Preparedness).  So let’s start with ‘Community’: that is simply a group of people either living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common1. The theory2 goes (and it’s quite intuitive really) that well prepared – meaning informed and equipped – individuals, families, neighborhoods, workplaces, faith organisations etc. that closely interact are better capable of mobilizing resources for response and recovery. Or in other words:

Resilience is based on a culture of preparedness                                             (Ready Scotland, 2013)

So far it is quite straight forward but now it gets trickier because ‘Community Resilience’ as a concept means many things to many people and there is a considerable ongoing debate. Rather than bore you to tears let me simply state that I found the CARRI Report definition (2013, p10) one of the most useful:

Community resilience is the capability to anticipate risk, limit impact and bounce back rapidly through survival, adaptability, evolution and growth in the face of turbulent change.

source: https://www.laresilience.org/images/community-resilience-ovals.pngWhat I particularly like is the focus on capability. It implies inherent and latent capacities. It also ties neatly to preparedness which is not just about needs and liabilities but also about assets. In my view this creates an empowering shift and starting point to mobilize engagement which, given the right momentum, may overcome even learnt helplessness and apathy. Thus

Community Resilience is

  • an inherent and dynamic community property
  • a community adaptation to adversity that leads to positive outcomes with respect to community functionality
  • a way to compare communities in terms of their ability to adapt

(Pfefferbaum et al, 2015)

Community Resilience: right input – right output/engagement

Community Resilience efforts are time and relationship intensive (Houston, 2015). However, it does not need to be complicated. Committed leadership is crucial and with this we are back to our story and the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum Team.  So, what happened?

Earlier this year NYLRF put an upgraded strategy in place.

The right ingredients for Community Resilience – a Success Story and Model approach

Having identified parishes as one of their key target communities, NYLRF adapted their existing scheme with an ambitious set of incentives which made the following assets available to their parishes:

  • free practical resources: Emergency Kit (comprehensive resources including winter preparedness that were specifically designed by NYLRF and EVAQ8) and a reduced cost defibrillator (Yorkshire Ambulance)
  • free information: comprehensive resources and templates to aid in preparing plans as well as warning and informing the local community
  • free training: British Red Cross first aid training and Yorkshire Ambulance Service defibrillator training for the community

This NYLRF Community Emergency Plan scheme not only provides the perfect mix of practical support (information, practical templates and kit, valuable training), it also ticks all the right boxes from the point of view of the latest research and good practice; it represents

  • focus on community engagement
  • bio-ethical principles, ie. autonomy, beneficence
  • emphasizing assets and needs in a multi-hazard approach relevant to the local context
  • encouraging skills and development

(Pfefferbaum et al, 2015)

So, it’s no surprise that  NYLRF is highly successful in promoting and building community resilience!

Just how successful I will share with you next time when I write more about their current impact, what other types communities may also benefit and about other strategies such as NYLRF’s pro-active participation in key promotional events .

In the meantime, please feel free to check out the North Yorkshire website,  (twitter @NYorksPrepared ), the additional resources/references listed below and resources through our info gateway Emergency Plan.

How resilient is your community?

Have a great week.

Monika

[edited to add: part 2 of the story has now been published; or simply look under the category ‘Yorkshire Model’].


thank you for sharing and helping raise awareness for Community Resilience and Preparedness!

References / Resources

  • 1 Oxford Dictionary | might seem trivial but it is important. There are many different kinds of communities with specific and unique preparedness requirements;  something I will explore later
  • 2 Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological theory of development and resilience (Boon et al, 2012 in Prior and Hagmann, 2014;)
  • – Houston, Brian (2015) Bouncing Forward: Assessing Advances in Community Resilience Assessment, Intervention and Theory to Guide Future Work; American Behavioral Scientist, 2015, Vol.59(2), pp.175-180
  • – Pfefferbaum, Betty; Pfefferbaum, Rose and Van Horn, Richard (2015) Community Resilience Interventions: Participatory, Assessment-Based, Action-Oriented Processes.  American Behavioral Scientist February 2015 59: 238–253, first published online on September 22, 2014 doi:10.1177/0002764214550298
  • – Prior, Timothy and Hagmann, Jonas (2014)  Measuring resilience: methodological and political challenges of a trend security concept, Journal of Risk Research, 2014, Vol.17(3), p.281-298

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Heatwave – how to stay cool

Wow. It’s 7.45 am and the thermometer in my office is already at 28°C/83°F.
No doubt we will get to live the predicted #HeatWave in a big way today.

Listening to BBC radio two over breakfast earlier made me chuckle at some of the suggestions on how to stay cool. Putting your shoes in the freezer may not be the best way to go about it.

But what do you do, especially if you’re either running around in a scorching city as I’ll have to later or stuck in a hot office as I am now? And no, no air conditioning here in case you’re wondering. Not because our building is old. Rather it’s part of a new and ‘green’ development designed with good insulation and air flow, the balance of which today will not meet my personal sense of comfortable environment.

Well to begin with, ’running’ around is certainly out. So, dropping the usually fast city pace will be the first thing to remember and do …. starting with typing slower ;-) – keeps my sanity and that of others.

Then there are the usual heatwave preparedness tips like

  • stay in the shade
  • drink plenty of water
  • wear light and loose fitting clothes, a sun hat and apply sun protection
  • move to the coolest room and open windows only when the outside temperature is cooler than inside

However, there is one additional tip I’d like to share with you, pinched a couple of years ago from some savvy New Yorkers during one of their severe heatwaves.

Get a watertight ziploc bag and partially fill it with crushed ice

source: https://i.pinimg.com/236x/4a/97/f3/4a97f3d13ce8031523189dcd0742db4e.jpgEasily fits in your handbag or satchel and can be emptied/refilled as needed without much hassle. For instant cool, put it on your neck or chest, even under your feet and the crooks of your elbows.

Back when in New York that worked pretty well as lots of Deli’s have crushed ice machines. I guess I will find out just how well that method works today in London. I might pack a small rolling pin just case ;-)

Oh, and if you’re at home, frozen peas work great too and you can refreeze them. Just don’t eat them!!

And finally, what am I doing at 07.45h at the office? Lots of very exciting things are in development here for Emergency Preparedness as we have just started a collaboration with the largest county in the United Kingdom.

I can’t wait to tell you more about their pilot project. I hugely look forward to showing you the amazing work they are doing for community resilience which may serve as an excellent model for all of us. But more later, I’ve got to run  – or rather NOT!

Wishing you a COOL day!

Keep an eye on your thermometer and weather app. Enjoy your ice teas and ice creams!

Monika

Also of interest: Heatwave – beyond Heat Health Watch to Personal Preparedness


thank you for sharing, raising awareness for Emergency Preparedness!

For more EVAQ8 blog simply use the right hand navigation. For emergency kits and practical resources use the top navigation. For FREE resources head over to our Preparedness Hub and find out why we use humour. If you like this post, please share it to help raise awareness for Emergency and Disaster Preparedness. Thank you!

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Disaster Preparedness – what Disaster? Why Preparedness?

updated 05/2017

It’s midweek and I am meeting some people.
“…. what do you do?” The question is innocent enough at any social gathering. What happens next however is always quite interesting for me. When I say “I am in Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, we create Preparedness Kits for  individuals, business, organizations and local government” I either get a blank stare and the topic moves swiftly on or it gets engaging:

What do you mean by Preparedness? What Disaster? Where?

Now, that is a very good question. There is a quite a bit of confusion and a considerable gap between theory and practice – that is the difference between disaster theory and actual disaster risk reduction (DRR) and, more recently, preparedness. Thankfully, clarity has improved and the gap is closing for Disaster Preparedness concerns us all – and not just philosophically:

“Live moves very fast. It rushes from Heaven to Hell in a matter of seconds”      —  Paul Coelho

Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5c/The_Ladder_of_Divine_Ascent_Monastery_of_St_Catherine_Sinai_12th_century.jpg

As imagery of that quote I particularly like the 12th century ‘Ladder of Divine Ascent’ at  Saint Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai which, to me, is a good visual analogy of the precariousness of life as we strive for (ultimate) peace and security.

Predicting the future is no easy task, even with today’s amazing tech and science to help us understand and manage the risks associated with globalisation, urbanisation, climate change, population growth, dwindling resources, etc.

New technologies combine with existing ones, changing old and well understood hazards, and creating new ones in the process. People and communities worldwide – including the UK – become more vulnerable as a result of these new hazards in ways that we may not have encountered before – ways even that are hard to imagine.

‘Natural’ disaster data – perhaps not as straightforward as you may think…

source https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/52db6435e4b0826240a963ce/1392762570748-EY23D42EOAT50PZ5UZR3/katrina.png?content-type=image%2Fjpeg So called ‘natural disaster’ data is readily available nowadays but the term is actually a bit of an oxymoron. Natural events trigger a range of ‘disasters’, the resulting damage is largely the result of lack of planning and poor development which ends up putting property and people at risk.

Another issue is that most disaster data, like the following graphs, are biased.  The one by the insurer MunichRe is skewed towards the developed world, as opposed to, for example the EM-DAT based Oxfam report Time’s Bitter Flood which focuses on developing countries. There are other subtleties that may get ‘lost’ in how data is entered into international databases such as the one by the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters CRED. Often not being considered (but thankfully that is also changing) are issues of geographical or time scale (no difference between 10 deaths in 1 min or 6 months) or that gross rather than normalized data is emphasized, yet there can be significant differences between total damage and per capita damage. Despite these limitations the various data nevertheless show a clear trend:

A clear trend: Natural Disasters / Catastrophes are increasing

Source: https://earthbound.report/2011/05/30/the-number-of-natural-disasters-is-on-the-rise/Source: https://earthbound.report/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/disasters-oxfam.jpgAnd now, another ‘bad’ El Nino seems a certainty:

Impacts from disasters are complex and wide-reaching but more importantly, they affect us all in a myriad of direct and indirect ways even on the ‘other’ side of the world. Disasters do not respect boundaries, whether geographical, social, economic or political5. For a historic insight into disasters located in the UK, Wiki has a couple of interesting lists: List of disasters in Great Britain and Ireland by death toll and List of natural disasters in Great Britain and Ireland .

So, what then is a disaster?

Actually, that’s another excellent question for the term has been used in many different ways1. Operational definitions are important since they trigger political decisions and a flow of resources.

Disasters are more than ‘just’ large emergencies and catastrophes are more than ‘just’ large disasters.

How we talk about and define ‘disaster’ has implications for what kind of research is undertaken and what strategies and resources are used to manage them. Disaster is an intellectually complex and emotionally loaded word that should be used with care. Theory is important as it underpins good practise. For example, in creating hazard maps, different concepts of ‘disaster’ need to be considered not just rapid onset well-defined events like an earthquake or  a volcanic eruption but also  slow onset diffuse events like droughts which only recently are being considered as disaster events1  (also see the current California Mega Drought or Wiki Historic Examples of Drought directly affecting India, Russia, China, USA, Australia and many countries in Africa but having much wider impacts).

‘Dis-aster’ (Latin) literally means ill-favoured star

source: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5216/5383975707_66c561a1a2_z.jpg Jupiter, the king of the gods and the god of sky and thunder

That is one way of revealing its origins in a classical and fatalistic worldview that saw calamities as coming from the heavens (or as in my later example above the daemonic nether regions).

Most traditional interpretations tend to revolve around agent descriptions, physical damage, social disruption and negative evaluation while more modern approaches favour social constructionism and the disruptions during and after a natural disaster event2.

A disaster is more than one thing (object, event, feeling) to different people and so while theorists may argue for a single, concise definition there is value in diversity.

What ‘disaster’ means to people is subjective, first and foremost and thus not so easily definable. People across the world interpret disasters differently, depending on their goals, cultural views and values.

Defining ‘disaster’ is complex and challenging

Disaster taxonomies exist similar to the ones used in biology3 and one commonly used typology is based on frequency, duration, area, onset speed, spatial dispersion and time spacing4. Other, rather coarse and overly simplistic categorizations use the labels ‘natural’ versus ‘technological/man-made’ or ‘rapid’ versus ‘slow onset’ as mentioned earlier.

Getting to grips with better taxonomies is important for both research and operations. Emergencies, disasters and catastrophes all show different characteristics both quantitative and qualitative which necessitate different management and planning strategies. Now, all this, while interesting, is also quite ‘academic’.

Preparedness, on the other hand, is intensely practical. Even in research…

Preparedness refers to concrete sets of actions taken as precautionary measures in the face of potential disasters

This includes information and training as well as the physical preparations of adapting infrastructure and readying emergency supplies. In our current climate of dwindling public services and resources, business and individuals increasingly have to take on their own Emergency and Disaster Preparedness responsibilities. Naturally, this varies widely depending on the particular circumstances. However the necessity and utility of a good dose of self-sufficiency is, in my view, self-evident.

Being stronger and better prepared individually not only helps you to survive and bounce back, but automatically makes for stronger and better prepared communities.

 

Preparedness is empowering.

Preparedness is a diverse, practical toolkit that can make a huge difference. Start with our FREE resources. As an individual begin by making your own Emergency Plan. As a Business, especially if you are an SME, look into Business Preparedness and practical Business Continuity. And if you can’t find the practical resources and kit you want then give us a shout. Our specialty is, after all, custom-made kits and we’re always happy to help.

Until next time – I wish you lots of motivation to tackle your own Emergency and Disaster Preparedness and bring it into your wider communities.

Monika

 Thank you for sharing, raising awareness for Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

References / Resources

  • 1 Etkin, D. (2015) Disaster Theory – An Interdisciplinary Approach to Concepts and Causes. Butterworth-Heinemann (Elsevier) Oxford, UK
  • 2Quarantelli, E.L (1998) What is a disaster? New Answers to Old Questions, ed. Perry and Quarantelli (USA, Xlibrib Corp) / (2000) Emergencies, Disasters and Catastrophes are different phenomena. University of Delaware DRC Preliminary Paper#304,6) / (2005) A Social Science Research Agenda for the Disasters of the 21st Century in What is a disaster? New Answers to Old Questions, ed. Perry and Quarantelli (USA, Xlibrib Corp)
  • 3 Krebs, G.A. (1989) Description, Taxonomy and Explanation in Diaster Research. International Journal of Mass Emergencies and Disasters 7, no 3; p277-280
  • 4 Burton et al. (1993) The Environment as Hazard. Guilford Press
  • 5 Hannigan, J (2012) Disasters without borders. Polity Press. Cambridge, UK

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Preparedness for Power Cuts, Brownouts and Blackouts

updated 09/10/2017

Power failures are common in the wake of storms (BBC) and disasters, man-made or natural; for example floods (Telegraph) and drought (Brazil dries up and blacks out, 2015) even UK mini heatwaves (Ashbourne News Telegraph). Also see South Australia’s Blackout explained (09/2016 black start)

Power outages can also occur without warning because of faults or accidents.

You may need to shelter-in-place and wait it out or you may have to evacuate (Feb 2015: Liverpool One John Lewis evacuated after power cut as restaurants unable to serve food, Liverpool Echo)

 

Power cuts are predicted to become more frequent, not only causing damage to the economy ($180 billion in the USA) but also affect transport, security and health (Lincoln University). Concerns and discussions on the UK energy safety gap are ongoing (Guardian).

2003 – a memorable year for spectacular power cuts

Looking back, 2003 was a particularly eventful year. In the US and Canada 55 million people were affected during the Great Northeast Blackout, 14th August 2003:   Fortunately, most power cuts last only minutes, but even such short durations can have a substantial impact on you personally as well as business. The London Blackout (28 August 2003) lasted just 34 minutes (BBC) during which  

        • 400 calls were taken by the London Fire Brigade
        • 100 rescues were made
        • all main rail services stopped in London and the South East
        • 60% of London Underground was affected

 If not stranded in lifts or underground, thousands of Londoners and visitors either took to the rain soaked streets or found shelter in candle lit pubs and restaurants. Outages not only happen in summer. They happen every day (DNO live twitter list) and can affect everyone. Most spectacularly and recently again London:

 

What is a Brownout? What to do during a Brownout

Brownouts, the opposite of a power surge, refer to a drop in voltage that can last for minutes or hours. Brownouts  commonly occur either by accident or intentional, for example, when used for emergency load reduction to avert a full blown a blackout.     Common signs of a brownout are      

                • flickering lights
                • rapid switching on/off of appliances
                • sudden computer and internet failure

 Usually harmless, brownouts nevertheless can damage your equipment so when you notice rapidly flickering lights, act immediately and unplug your computers, routers, TV, devices being charged, all appliances etc. During a Brownout, as soon as you notice fluctuations (i.e. when the lights start flickering badly)  

            • switch off and unplug computers, TVs, printers, routers, mobile phones, tablets or any other devices that are plugged in and/or charging
            • reduce your power consumption: switch off anything you do not need
            • be ready for a blackout in case your supply fails to stabilise source: https://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/71610000/jpg/_71610198_71610193.jpg

 

Preparedness for a Power Cut – follow these 10 top tips

Know your supplier and how to contact them. Suppliers often host a live power outage map and provide information and support also on twitter. The new emergency number for power cuts is 105 see guidance from your supplier; i.e. UK Power Networks’ Domestic and Business

          • make a checklist/map of all your electrical items that need turning OFF in case of a power cut
          • if you use crucial medical equipment requiring electricity, put yourself on your suppliers priority register
          • alternative communications: keep a plug-in cord telephone for emergencies that does not need electricity; stock spare batteries and power packs for mobile devices
          • alternative power: ranges from power generators to UPS devices (~ 1 hour), batteries and hand-crank or solar operated devices; more see generators

 

What to do during a Power Cut – NEW! CALL 105*

Is it just you? Check your fuse box to see if any have tripped – there could be a problem with your property’s wiring and you may need to call an electrician. If your neighbor is also affected, then call your local distribution company to find out if it’s a network problem. Normally, power cuts are locally or regionally based

          • switch OFF all appliances and equipment that may have been in use before the interrupt
          • leave one light switched on to know when the power is restored
          • secure your property; bells and alarms may not work during the outage (manual warning)

 

What to do when Power is restored

          • check all your equipment and appliances
          • only gradually turn your equipment and appliances back on, keeping an eye on possible fluctuations
          • check and and reset all timer switches; i.e. water heating, gas or oil central heating systems, electric clocks

Additional useful resources to understand what happens, the consequences of power cuts and what you must plan and prepare for and how to prepare for and cope with power outages:

      • list of major power outages wiki
      • electric safety HSE
      • will your landline work during a power cut? Ofcom

 Be prepared, not scared. Have a good week.

Monika | @MonikaAlMufti 

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Resilience – drawing on Faith for Strength

June marks the beginning of increased emergency preparedness in many parts of the world. Here in the UK and Europe we move to level 1 summer preparedness for heat waves while in the US the Atlantic Hurricane season starts. In addition this year there seems to be a very high chance of another El Nino which will have wide-reaching effects across the globe. See today’s article in The Guardian: How El Nino will change the weather in 2014. It is no wonder then that the web is full of campaigns that aim to raise public awareness for Disaster Preparedness and Resilience. What struck me particularly, however, is a report by Dana Bartholomew from the Los Angeles Daily News.

Faith-based Community Organization to host Disaster Preparedness Events

Source https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/32/Religion_in_SF.pngThis week, she reports that the LA County Office of Emergency Management launches a campaign asking faith-based community organizations to host disaster-preparedness events. US Churches, synagogues and mosques may soon help residents to prepare for what they call ‘the big one’ – an earthquake, tsunami or other major incidents.

I was impressed for it seems that now things are developing in new and promising ways. The relationship between religious or spiritual faith and resilience is supported by scientific research as well as by countless personal stories of amazing perseverance that attest how such practises can provide strength. Now, before I go any further let me state that I’m not religious. Rather, my point of view is humanistic and as such this new and much more open, preventative approach to community resilience by faith based organizations is a brilliant step in the right direction. Rather than being confined to provide support in the aftermath of a disaster there now is the possibility of a real shift in…

  • moving from Faith and Recovery to Faith and Preparedness

This constitutes a tangible power shift that can benefit millions. It has the potential to open the disaster preparedness conversation to a much wider audience, broadening and bridging social understandings. Done sensitively it can inform, support and enable individuals to acquire the understandings, tools and skills necessary to be better prepared for disasters at all levels: as individuals, as families, in their neighbourhoods and wider communities.

The word ‘religion’ comes from Latin ‘religare’ meaning to bind. One aspect of the relationship between resilience and religion lies in exactly that quality – the particular strength-giving cohesion of a special social group with a particular outlook. The nature and quality of that outlook, however, is crucial. Religious coping is not automatically associated with well-being or resilience and researchers distinguish between positive and negative patterns1. People who see God as punitive and judgemental may feel they ‘deserve’ their troubles, that their fate is controlled by an unsympathetic all-powerful being. This can leave some people with a limited sense of control – a form of learnt helplessness that is difficult to overcome. On the other hand, the associations of faith with positive physical and mental health as well as resilience are well documented 2, particularly in patients suffering from medical conditions. Yet, interestingly, the reasons why this should be so are much less clear. There are a number of factors to consider:

  • regular attendance may foster resilience factors, i.e. optimism, altruism and a search for meaning and purpose
  • interaction with positive and resilient role models that encourage adopting meaningful social roles
  • experience of generosity and tolerance which may trigger reciprocity
  • protection against destructive habits

But of course it’s much more complex than that. The support that practitioners receive may come from their beliefs as well as from their fellow human companions. Most formal religions focus on the practitioner’s personal relationship with a supreme being who, on the positive side, provides guidance, strength and protection. For some people, this relationship boosts their own feelings of inner strength and self-efficacy and helps them to realize what Dante Allighieri described as “Be bold and the mighty shall protect you”– believing that God is at your side may give you the confidence to tackle challenges that otherwise may seem too daunting.

What if you are not religious?

Non-believers like me can and should reclaim the most useful bits of religion that, according to Alain de Botton, have been annexed by the godly. I really recommend his book ‘Religion for Atheists’ (not that I would categorize myself as one) that takes as a starting point the assumption that God is a human creation. See Philosophy now for a book review. The 26th March 2014 issue of New Scientist also has a number of very interesting articles on the topic. On the more practical side, any kind of regular practice that is positively empowering is beneficial. Examples include yoga, t’ai chi ch’uan, qigong, aikido, tantric rituals, sufi mysticism, sadhana, native healing traditions etc. Research testing the effectiveness of these approaches for trauma and survivors is expanding rapidly.

Albert Bandura (Professor Emeritus of Social Science in Psychology at Stanford University): “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life”

Wishing you a great week.

Monika

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References:

  • 1Pargament et al, 1998; Patterns of positive and negative religious coping with major life stressors. Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, 37 (4), 710-724
  • 2McCullough et al, 2000; Religious involvement and mortality: A meta-analytic review. Health Psychlogy; 19 (3), 211-222
  • 3Streeter et al, 2010; Effects of Yoga versus Walking on mood anxiety and brain GABA levels: a randomized controlled MRS study; Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16 (11), 1145-1152
  • De Botton, Alain, 2012, Religion for Atheists: A Non-believer’s Guide to the Uses of Religion, Pantheon Books
  • Lawton, Graham, 2014, Religion without God – and other related articles in New Scientist Magazine issue 9900
  • Cheema, A.R., Scheyvens, R., Glavovic, B., Imran, M. (2014) Unnoticed but important: revealing the hidden contribution of community-based religious institutions of the mosque in disasters. Natural Hazards, 71(3), 2207-229

 

More Extreme Weather – heatwave at Australia Open, arctic deep freeze in the US, continued floods in the UK

Dancevic is treated in the extreme heat of Melbourne Park

There I thought I was done talking about crazy weather for a while – not so! Extreme weather events seem to come hard and fast as we head into this new year.

While the UK flooded and the US froze, Argentina baked but ‘heat’ seemed to have slipped the limelight until the Australian Open was disrupted by record breaking temperatures.

On Monday, the average maximum temperature across the country reached a new record of 40.33C. Forecasting that temperatures might reach 54C the Bureau of Meteorology added two new shades of purple to the top of their temperature scale map, New Scientist reported. Thankfully, those predictions were not borne out; else the country would have had to deal with a lot worse than ‘just’ thousands of tennis fans suffering heat exhaustion, as a local newspaper said. As it was, it was bad enough: large numbers of EMS had to be mobilized to respond to heat-related injuries (see heatstroke info i.e. SJA). Heart attacks surged by 300%. Authorities expected an increase of 50% in mortalities caused by the extreme heat mainly affecting the vulnerable (the elderly, infirm and children). The Guardian reported: ‘Australian heat waves are getting hotter and longer says the Climate Council’.

Not a great start to 2014… however, we cannot take these events to simply predict what this summer might bring for us in the UK. We can only remember our own heat waves, how they have affected us in the past and prepare to stay cool. So, here is some context:

– the highest recorded UK temperature was 38.5C on 10/08/2003 Faversham Kent (METoffice); this is only marginally different from Australia’s record last week. Somehow I don’t think here in the UK we’re as adapted and resilient (yet) to heat as the Aussies are, although that is of course a matter of personal tolerance.

– the most recent heat wave (19 days) was last year in July 2013, 33.5C recorded in west London. On 18 July, the Telegraph reports London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine figures that the first 9 days of the heat wave had caused up to an additional 760 deaths. The heat wave ended on 23 July with heavy thunderstorms, bringing flooding and lightning strikes that caused transport disruption, power cuts and fires. One week later temperatures rose again, recording the warmest August temperature since 2003.

Let us hope for a perfectly ‘average’ spring.

Find out more about how to be prepared for a heatwave.

And of interest might be the standardised physiological heat tolerance test (HTT) which evaluates athletes’ tolerance to exercising in the heat. It differentiates between a temporary and permanent state of heat susceptibility (Journal Sport Rehabil. 2007 Aug;16(3):215-21.) HTT is also used by some armed forces to test the heat tolerance of their personnel.

Monika

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Resilience – what it is and how it connects to crazy weather

Resilience - thriving despite difficulties; Resilient Self - Resilienct Relationships - Resilient Problem Solving Resilience – thriving despite difficulties; Resilient Self – Resilienct Relationships – Resilient Problem Solving

Another crazy weather week! Amazing pictures from the US throughout the week, especially the frozen Niagara Falls and headlines of – literally – Hell freezing over; Hell Michigan that is. Meanwhile more flood misery with heavy rains and violent tidal surges affected thousands here in the UK, causing widespread damage and much personal pain… and more is yet to come we’re being told.

With all this gloom and controversies around flood prevention measures running high it is interesting to note that the Guardian ran an article on how floods are not all uniformly bad, how there is a silver lining (even if somewhat thin) to be had in all of this. I’d like to pick up on this at the close of this week.

Finding the positive side in any situation, no matter how grim and hopeless it might at first appear, is a huge skill and a massively important part of what resilience means. And that, increasingly, is what it’s all about. But what exactly does ‘resilience’ mean? One definition holds that ‘resilience’ is the capacity to cope effectively in stressful situations or adversity. There are a number of core capacities that play role and these are, according to the APA1:

  • (a) self-awareness: identifying one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, and patterns in each that are counterproductive
  • (b) self-regulation: the ability to regulate impulses, thinking, emotions, and behaviours to achieve goals, as well as the willingness and ability to express emotions;
  • (c) optimism: noticing the goodness in self and others, identifying what is controllable, remaining wedded to reality, and challenging counterproductive beliefs
  • (d) mental agility: thinking flexibly and accurately, perspective taking, and willingness to try new strategies
  • (e) character strengths: identifying the top strengths in oneself and others, relying on one’s strengths to overcome challenges and meet goals, and cultivating a strength approach in one’s group; and
  • (f) connection: building strong relationships through positive and effective communication, empathy, willingness to ask for help, and willingness to offer help

That’s a lot – complex and interesting stuff! Plenty of material there for me to write about in small doses as we go into this near year talking about Emergency Preparedness and Resilience.
You will have noticed that I’ve highlighted ‘OPTIMISM’ in the above list and will have read its description – a very far cry from the rose-tinted and rather blind optimism you might have come across elsewhere. The aim here is not to gloss over reality but rather a bit of a case of thorough #SherlockLives -style analysis and a much wider appraisal that eventually will help towards finding new strength and direction.

So, back to the Guardian and the good side of our #UKFloods. I encourage you read the full article but in a nutshell, here it is:

  • UK wind industry had its best-ever period, setting daily, weekly and monthly records
  • heavy rains across Britain have left the water supply industry smiling, reservoirs are full
  • environment: floods and storms are important natural phenomena that help the natural environment, i.e. clear clean river gravels of silt, encouraging fish migration; some plants depend on strong winds to spread their seeds further afield…
  • wildlife: burrowing animals breed best when soggy ground makes their holes easy to dig; record numbers of wading birds..

And for us? The wild weather has been an excellent stick for environment groups and scientists to beat government with as well as raise awareness generally. Charles Tucker, chair of the National Flood Forum, nicely summed it up: “With joined-up thinking, you invest in communities to develop resilience and prepare for future flooding. You invest in a national effort, requiring the agencies responsible for flood risk management to work with local people, equipping them to tackle local flooding problems. You give local communities the tools to find solutions themselves.” Highlights by me.

In the end, it’s also all up to us – individually as well as part of a community! Have a great weekend.

Monika

1APA – American Psychological Association


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