Nine items Brits must have in emergency kit as Storm Bram sparks ‘danger to life’ warning
With the storm set to cause widespread problems, weather services are urging people to be fully prepared.
Storm Bram is continuing to sweep across the UK with heavy rain and powerful winds, prompting several “danger to life” amber warnings from the Met Office. Gusts of up to 90mph, flooding and flying debris are expected in the worst-hit areas, with forecasters warning that travel disruption and power cuts are likely throughout the day.
The Met Office says the strongest winds will affect parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, while heavy rain could hit communities in Wales, Devon and Cornwall. Roads, bridges and rail services may close at short notice, and coastal areas are being warned about large waves and dangerous sea conditions.
READ MORE: Storm Bram sparks 'danger to life' warning as thousands of homes lose power
READ MORE: Storm Bram's six things to do as 90mph gales batter UK and Ireland
With the storm set to cause widespread problems, weather services are urging people to be fully prepared.
Ireland’s national meteorological service, Met Éireann, is advising households, especially those in areas prone to flooding, to make a flood plan and put together an emergency kit so they are ready if conditions worsen.
Met Éireann said families should practise their flood plan, keep essential items in an easy-to-reach place and make sure everyone in the household knows what to do if water begins to rise.
It also recommends keeping important documents, such as passports and insurance papers, in waterproof storage and writing down emergency contact numbers in case mobile networks fail.
As part of its Be Winter Ready campaign, Met Éireann lists nine must-have items that should be included in every emergency kit:
- Torch
- Warm and waterproof clothing
- Battery-powered or wind-up radio
- Charged mobile phone
- Rubber gloves
- Rubber boots
- First aid kit
- Blankets
- Children’s essentials, if required
Households are also being encouraged to make a list of valuables, know where medication is kept and learn how to turn off gas, electricity and water supplies.
Those in high-risk areas may also want to plan in advance where to move their vehicle if flooding starts.
The Met Office has issued similar advice for people living in areas affected by strong winds. It recommends checking for loose items outside, such as bins, plant pots, garden furniture and trampolines, and securing them before the worst gusts arrive. Items that can blow away easily could injure someone or damage property.
Anyone travelling today is being urged to think carefully before setting off. Drivers should pack warm clothing, food, water, a blanket, a torch and a phone charger in case they are delayed.
They should also slow down in heavy gusts and give high-sided vehicles and cyclists more space than usual.
People near the coast are being told to stay back from sea fronts and avoid walking close to cliffs during stormy weather.
Large waves can sweep people off their feet even from the shoreline. In an emergency, the public should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Heavy rain is continuing to affect parts of Wales, Devon and Cornwall, where a yellow warning remains in place.
Flooded roads may cut off communities and public transport could be disrupted with little notice. Authorities are reminding people never to walk or drive through floodwater.
Further yellow warnings for wind and rain cover large parts of the UK, and forecasters say conditions may change quickly.
The public is being urged to keep checking the latest weather updates and take extra care throughout the day.
