Be Ready Call Drives Surge in Radio and Tinned Food Sales
Retailers report sharp rises in emergency purchases since the government urged households to prepare for crises. Iceland saw a 40% jump in tinned goods over the weekend; Robert Dyas a 160% rise in radio sales; Maplin a near-fourfold increase in torches. The defence secretary called it “encouraging that people are taking practical steps to be ready”.
The campaign began on 22 October, when Wes Streeting advised three litres of water per person per day, tinned food, baby food, battery torches and power banks, citing threats from cyber attack to extreme weather. Iceland says its supplies remain healthy. Mr Streeting stresses the mundane: essentials help “whether that’s flooding, power cuts or burst pipes”. The timing lent it weight. Storm Boelo has left about 22,600 properties without power, two men were killed by falling trees, and the Met Office has urged people to keep torches and batteries ready.