03 Nov A Little Extra in the Cupboard Goes a Long Way! 🥫🔦

Be prepared, not scared! Simple ways to get your household ready for the unexpected.

Did you know the UK Government has launched a ‘Prepare’ campaign, encouraging households to take a few simple steps to be ready for unexpected situations?

The Government’s advice is to be prepared to manage for at least three days in the event of a disruption, such as a power cut, severe weather or temporary interruption to essential services.

Here at Warfield Park, we think it’s a great opportunity to share some practical tips, encourage a little forward planning and, of course, remind everyone of the importance of looking out for our neighbours.

And don’t worry – we’re not suggesting you turn your home into a survival bunker!

🛒 One Extra Tin a Week – It All Adds Up!

One of the simplest ways to follow the Government’s preparedness advice is to pick up an extra tin or two during your regular weekly shop.

A tin of soup this week, some baked beans next week, perhaps a rice pudding for a little treat!

By the end of the year, you could have built up a useful supply of extra provisions without breaking the bank.

The trick is to buy things you actually enjoy eating. There’s no point filling your cupboards with mushy peas if you can’t stand them!

🥫 What Could You Stock Up On?

Savoury favourites

• Baked beans, spaghetti hoops and tinned soup
• Sweetcorn, mushy peas and pease pudding
• Butter beans, chickpeas and green lentils
• Tinned new potatoes
• Tuna, pink salmon and pilchards
• Tinned ham, corned beef and hot dog sausages
• Stewed steak and chicken in white sauce

A few sweet treats

• Tinned peaches, pears and pineapple
• Mandarin segments and prunes in juice
• Rice pudding and tinned sponge puddings
• Condensed milk and golden syrup
• Crackers, oatcakes and biscuits

Try to include foods that don’t need cooking or refrigeration, as you may not be able to use your cooker or microwave during a power cut.

And remember that all-important manual tin opener!

💧 Water, Water Everywhere!

The Government recommends keeping enough bottled drinking water for three days, allowing around 3 litres per person per day, with extra for cooking and washing.

You don’t have to buy it all at once. Simply add a bottle or two to your shopping whenever you can.

🔦 Don’t Be Left in the Dark!

Keep torches in several handy places around your home, including the bedroom, kitchen and hallway.

It’s also worth keeping one in any outbuildings you regularly use.

Have spare batteries ready, and consider a battery-powered lantern and a wind-up radio.

Keep some warm blankets, cosy socks and extra layers handy too.

📱 Don’t Let a Flat Battery Catch You Out!

A portable power bank is a brilliant little investment. Keep it charged and ready for emergencies.

It’s also worth having a couple of spare charging cables.

Here’s an old-fashioned tip that’s still incredibly useful: write important telephone numbers in a notebook or diary.

Include family, friends, neighbours, your GP and any other important contacts.

If your phone battery runs flat, you’ll still have the numbers you need.

🧴 Don’t Forget the Little Things!

A few other handy essentials include:

• A first aid kit and essential medication
• Vaseline for chapped hands and dry lips
• Cotton wool, wet wipes and toiletries
• Hand sanitiser and toilet rolls
• Spare batteries
• A small amount of cash
• Pet food and supplies
• Copies of important documents

🏡 Keep Everything Handy!

Rather than storing your supplies in the garage or shed, keep them in your usual kitchen cupboards or somewhere suitable indoors.

After all, if the electricity goes off on a cold winter’s evening, you don’t want to be searching around outside in the dark for a tin of soup!

Rotate your tins as you use them, putting newer purchases at the back, and check expiry dates every six months.

 Warfield Park – Good Neighbours Make a Great Community

One of the most important messages behind the Government’s preparedness advice is the value of community.

Here at Warfield Park, we know how important it is to look out for one another.

If there’s a power cut or spell of severe weather, consider checking in on your neighbours, particularly anyone who lives alone or might need a little extra help.

A friendly knock on the door, a quick phone call or offering to pick up a few essentials could make someone’s day much easier.

It’s also worth exchanging telephone numbers with a trusted neighbour so you can keep in touch if needed.

✅ Your Three-Day Ready Checklist

• Three days’ supply of drinking water

• Three days’ supply of food that doesn’t need refrigeration

• Manual tin opener

• Torches and spare batteries

• Charged power bank and spare charging cables

• Battery-powered or wind-up radio

• Warm clothing and blankets

• Essential medication and first aid supplies

• Toiletries and hygiene products

• Important phone numbers written down

• Pet or baby essentials, if needed

• Contact details for a trusted neighbour

🌟 Be Prepared, Not Scared!

The Government’s message is simple: a little preparation now can make a big difference if something unexpected happens.

You don’t need to spend a fortune or do everything at once. Just start small, add a few essentials to your weekly shop and gradually build up your supplies.

And remember, being prepared isn’t just about having a well-stocked cupboard. It’s also about knowing your neighbours and being ready to lend a helping hand.

A few extra tins, a working torch, a charged power bank and a friendly neighbour can go a long way!

For more information and practical advice, take a look at the UK Government’s official Prepare website: www.gov.uk/prepare.

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