What is an emergency grab bag and what should be in it?
![Here's what you should have in a grab bag [Photo: Unsplash]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/AirOwXr77fwav3JEAJSW5A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD02Nzc-/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2019-09/fb417e00-d3b7-11e9-bf9f-279cdb26f14a)
September is Preparedness Month and this year UK police forces are making sure we all take note in 2019.
On Monday, Police Scotland tweeted an image of a #GrabBag, which recommended that members of the public carry a ‘Grab-and-Go Bag’ so that you’re prepared for an emergency at all times.
The backpack contained essential items, including a first aid kit, food, toiletries and a torch.
The grab bag, which has also been promoted by other forces, including Thames Valley Police, has since gained a lot of traction of social media, many mocking it, whilst others called it “scaremongering”.
READ MORE: Emergency #GrabBag campaign mocked and criticised for scaremongering
The grab bag is part of a larger #30days30waysUK campaign, which is a national initiative around the UK that aims to increase individual awareness and resilience in emergency situations.
September is preparedness month. Emergencies can happen at any time and it’s recommended to have a #GrabBag ready containing essential items including medication, copies of important documents, food/water, torch, radio and other personal items #30Days30WaysUK #BePrepared pic.twitter.com/7ZtQlVJ7Yr
— Police Scotland Control Rooms (@polscotcontrol) September 8, 2019
I think if police stations up and down the country are going to start simultaneously suggesting we pack a #GrabBag they should at least hint as to why. A zombie apocalypse is going to need a very different packing strategy to an AI takeover, for example.
— Amanda Jennings (@MandaJJennings) September 9, 2019
It's even more worrying that
a) people have only just found out about preparedness month (5years running) and
b) don't already have an emergency bag— Stuart Corbett (@TheSJCArt) September 8, 2019
The UK yesterday: this #grabbag advice is scaremongering!!! Why would anyone in the UK need one!?!?
Today in the UK: A town in Devon is flooded after the tail end of Storm Dorian made landfall.— Lexy Needham (@Galadriel1010) September 10, 2019
Well I’m not taking any chances, that’s my #GrabBag packed & ready to go pic.twitter.com/eGELNtBjn4
— Graham Love (@GLove39) September 8, 2019
Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg, Chair of the TVLRF, said: “30 Days 30 Ways encourages people from all walks of life to take small steps to become better personally prepared to deal with many types of hazards which they may encounter. Initiatives such as these help to build personal and community resilience so that when emergencies do occur, the impact is reduced.”
So what should be in a grab bag? As well as an ‘emergency plan’, which should contain important documents, here’s what police suggest you should carry in case of an emergency.
Pen and notepad
Busy B Magnetic Pad and Pen from John Lewis | £8.50 | Shop here
Phone charger & battery bank
Portable Charge Power Bank from Amazon | £22.99 | Shop here
Food and water
Nakd Cocoa Orange Gluten Free Bars (pack of 18) | £9 | Shop here
First aid kit
First Aid Kit from Amazon | £12.70 | Shop here
Personal toiletries
3 Colgate Travel Sets | £8.20 | Shop here
Seasonal clothing
Hat, Scarf and Gloves set from Amazon | £14.88 | Shop here
Batteries
Duracell AA Batteries (pack of 12) from Amazon | £7.29 | Shop here
Whistle
Thunderer Whistle by Amazon | £5.99 | Shop here
Flashlight
Pocket Flashlight from Amazon | £5.09 | Shop here
Radio
Portable Radio from Amazon | £8.99 | Shop here
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