Households in parts of the UK are being warned to stockpile food and essential medicines this weekend before severe weather takes hold on Sunday.
An amber weather warning has been put in place for possible flooding by the Met Office, as well as a yellow alert for heavy rain in various parts of the UK, and is in place from 6am on Sunday until 6pm on Monday, a full 36 hours.
While flooding will not impact every area in the forecast, areas which are liable to flood are being urged to check their local forecast and prepare accordingly.
The Met Office issued the amber weather warning for Cumbria, but has also issued a further four yellow weather warnings for heavy rain in northern England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
It said as part of the amber warning: “Very heavy and persistent rainfall is expected to lead to some flooding and transport disruption.
“Persistent rainfall across northwest England will be particularly heavy over parts of Cumbria. During the course of Sunday and Monday, over 100mm of rainfall is expected to accumulate widely across the warning area. Over 200mm is possible in some locations, particularly in the west of the area.”
In the advice issued with the warning, the Met Office said: “Preparing a flood kit could save you from loss or damage due to flooding to your home or business. In your flood kit have: insurance and any other important documents; a torch and spare batteries; a first aid kit, prescription medicines and supplies for looking after your family members or pets; and warm, waterproof clothes, blankets, food and water.”
The National Flood Forum urges households to stock up on four key essentials in any flood emergency kit.
Firstly, documents, such as insurance documents and other important documents. Then electricals such as mobile phones, chargers and battery packs.
Households should also have an emergency credit card on hand to meet any unexpected emergency costs.
Finally, medication – prescription medication or medication forms.
If you have children, milk and baby food, sterilised bottles and spoons, wipes, nappy bags, clothing nappies and a favourite toy should also go in the flood kit, says the NFF.
Other items households should consider include a wind up or battery powered radio and torch, bottled water, a first aid kit and non perishable food items like cereal bars as well as blankets and warm clothes.
