Luton households urged to prepare for emergencies with three days of essential supplies

Luton households are being encouraged to keep three days’ worth of essential supplies at home as part of a new campaign to help residents prepare for emergencies.

The government’s Be Ready campaign, supported by the Bedfordshire Resilience Forum, aims to help people cope with disruption caused by severe weather, power cuts, flooding and other emergencies which could affect everyday services.

Residents are being advised to make sure they can manage independently for up to 72 hours if essential services are disrupted.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting the campaign and is also urging households to consider fire safety when making their emergency preparations.

This includes checking smoke alarms every month, planning an escape route from their home and taking steps to reduce common fire risks.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Hopkinson, who chairs the Bedfordshire Resilience Forum, said: “Preparing for emergencies isn’t just about having supplies at home. It’s also about reducing risks wherever we can.

“Taking a few minutes to check your smoke alarms and review fire safety advice is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to protect yourself and your family.”

The Be Ready campaign recommends that households keep three days’ worth of drinking water and non-perishable food, alongside a torch and spare batteries.

Residents are also encouraged to have a charged power bank available, keep important information and emergency contact details accessible and check whether they are eligible for the Priority Services Register, which provides additional support during service disruptions.

Families are being reminded to consider the needs of children and pets, as well as anyone who requires regular medication.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service also provides free online fire safety advice to help people identify practical ways to make their homes safer, with additional support available for residents who may be more vulnerable to fire.

Residents can find the government’s emergency preparedness checklist at beready.campaign.gov.uk.

Further advice on protecting homes and families from fire is available at bedsfire.gov.uk/safetyadvice.