Increased demand for emergency supplies across the UK has raised questions about how vulnerable residents and carers can prepare for unexpected disruptions after the governments ‘Be Ready’ campaign was announced last Friday.
For people with disabilities, limited mobility or caring responsibilities, preparing for an emergency may involve additional practical challenges. Local Kingswood resident Louie Skinner is a carer for his mother – Carolina Green, who is in the late stages of Multiple Sclerosis.
They both rely on round-the-clock care from outside agencies, and Louie himself when he is not working, as he is financially responsible for household running costs. He explained that “It would be very difficult for me to prepare. I don’t have a car, or drive, which restricts the amount I can carry home. There is also no guarantee that we’ll be able to secure delivery slots either”.
Wes Streeting has announced an action plan to encourage households to prepare for emergencies where stockpiling of goods is now being encouraged. As a result, retailers have reported higher sales of essential items, including bottled water, tinned goods, and battery-powered products.
Figures reported by popular retailer – Robert Dyas reported that they had seen a sharp rise in emergency equipment purchases, wit wind up radio sales soring to 160% higher over the last week. Whereas Maplin’s have also sold out of items such as torches as they saw a 92% increase in sales. Additionally – Maplin’s are now offering emergency survival kits under a newly created ‘Emergency preparedness tab’ on their website for £43.97, with portable power stations starting at £165.99.
His experience highlights an important question around the measures that are being put in place to help vulnerable households, and how clear the information is. He also spoke about how the government’s guidance to carers and medically vulnerable people wasn’t explained in and was vague. He also explained that he received several text messages from the National Grid during the week warning of potential power cuts.
The issue also raises wider questions about the pressures facing carers or people who suddenly fall unwell, who may already be balancing everyday responsibilities with the need to plan for unexpected situations.
While the government’s ‘Be Ready’ campaign intends to help households plan, people with additional support needs are important to be included in the guidance and how accessible it is to them.
