Over 40 people came along to last month’s Deep HEAT discussion, reflecting people’s concerns at the energy crisis that is unfolding in the Middle East and remembering what happened in Spain and Portugal last year. An officer from the Suffolk County Council Suffolk Resilience Forum joined us. The meeting came up with a checklist of what households can do to prepare, covering the basics and what to do about water, warmth, food, cooking and communication. They also looked at what needs to happen at a community level especially for vulnerable groups.
Helpful websites
Suffolk County Council – Suffolk resilience forum – Suffolk County Council
UK Government Emergency Advice – Get prepared for emergencies – Prepare
Finnish Government advice to citizens much more extensive than the UK Government site – Instructions for preparing for various incidents and crises and emergency conditions – Suomi.fi
Hadleigh 5‑Day Power Cut Checklist
Household Basics
- Torches for each person/windup/solar camping lights
- Spare batteries
- Power banks – make sure they are charged!
- Wind‑up or battery radio
- Matches/lighter
- First‑aid kit – medications
Water
- 2–3 litres per person per day (drinking and cooking)
- Extra for pets
- Fill clean containers early; cover containers
- Water purification tablets
Food
- 5 days of no‑cook meals
- Snacks and high‑energy foods
- Manual tin opener
- Fuel for outdoor stove or BBQ
Warmth
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Plan for a single “warm room”
- Hot water bottles
Cooking
- Gas hob workable with matches
- ‘Kelly Kettle’ stick burning cooking stove
- Outdoor‑only stove/BBQ
- Fuel stored safely
Communication
- Local emergency numbers written down
- Wind up/solar LW/FM/AM/SW radio (not DAB)
- Neighbour check‑in plan
- Meeting point agreed
Home Prep
- Fill bath and containers
- Charge all devices
- Keep fridge/freezer closed
- Unplug sensitive electronics