What are emergency ‘grab bags’?

The police have been mocked and accused of scaremongering after an online campaign to encourage the public to prepare a “grab-and-go” bag in case of emergencies.

Police Scotland took to Twitter to encourage users to pack a bag with essentials such as a first aid kit, radio, torch, food and water.

The BBC explains that the advice is part of an annual initiative from local authorities and emergency services called Preparedness Month - influenced an American-based campaign, organised by the Department of Homeland Security.

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Several UK councils, police forces and fire departments have adopted their own version of the US scheme over the past five years, under the title 30Days30WaysUK. It encourages people to be ready for emergencies such as power cuts, water main bursts, gas leaks, fires, transport strikes and road closures.

“Taking proactive steps to be better prepared will help you not only with everyday emergencies but also with far less likely incidents,” it advises on its website. As well as mentioning everyday emergencies, the website lists more dramatic incidents such as storms, flooding and terror attacks.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr told The Courier the campaign is “ill timed”, given the “current atmosphere” of politicial uncertainty in the UK.

The reaction online has largely been one of derision. One user on Twitter wrote: “Is this something we should carry on us at all times? Is something going to happen in October that we should prepare for?”

Another Twitter user quipped: “I have packed some fancy dress for Hallowe'en and then a Santa suit for Christmas. Will that be enough do you think?”

A third said: “This is crass. Scaring people with no explanations. What emergencies do you envisage? Brexit? War? Civil disturbance? Flood? Pestilence? Nuclear accident? Martial Law?”

In response to criticism, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “The messaging is part of a general resilience awareness campaign that runs each year during September which emergency services and partners across Britain are taking part in.”