AN ONLINE drive encouraging members of the public to "be prepared" by packing a bag with emergency items such as passports, a first aid kit and a torch has been criticised by some social media users.
The grab-and-go-bag campaign is being promoted by police forces across the UK, including Police Scotland, and by councils.
September is preparedness month. Emergencies can happen at any time and it’s recommended to have a #GrabBag ready containing essential items including medication, copies of important documents, food/water, torch, radio and other personal items #30Days30WaysUK #BePrepared pic.twitter.com/7ZtQlVJ7Yr
— Police Scotland Control Rooms (@polscotcontrol) 8 September 2019
A tweet posted on an official Police Scotland account showed an image of the 'grab bag' containing various emergency items.
A message accompanying the tweet said: "September is preparedness month. Emergencies can happen at any time and it’s recommended to have a #GrabBag ready containing essential items including medication, copies of important documents, food/water, torch, radio and other personal items."
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Clothing suitable for the weather, toiletries , a pen and notepad, phone charger, whistle, batteries and a first aid kit were also shown in the image of what should be packed.
The grab bag campaign quickly went viral as social media users accused authorities of scaremongering, while others questioned whether they "know something we don't".
Anybody else thinking why are the authorities in the uk advising us of what to put in these so called emergency packs. Do they know something we don’t. #GrabBag
— Frazzerdam (@frazzerdam) 8 September 2019
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Others took the opportunity to mock the campaign as images of alien invasion, zombie apocalypse or rucksacks filled with champagne were shared on Twitter instead.
Well I’m not taking any chances, that’s my #GrabBag packed & ready to go pic.twitter.com/eGELNtBjn4
— Graham Love (@GLove39) 8 September 2019
It comes amid speculation tonight that Prime Minister Boris Johnson could declare a national emergency under the terms of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, in order to force through a no-deal Brexit.
Chatter tonight over whether Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings cd declare a national emergency by using part 2 (Emergency Powers) of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 seek to scrap the European Union (Withdrawal) (No6) Act 2019 and thereby avoid having to apply for extension? 🚨
— Sam Coates Sky (@SamCoatesSky) 8 September 2019
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