| To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:52, 4th September 2026 |     |
From the BBC:
Stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather, minister says
Households should stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather as the strongest El Niño event in a generation develops over the Pacific Ocean, a government minister has said.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle told the Guardian the powerful natural climate phenomenon will lead to "more extreme storms in this country". Her comments came as the National Audit Office (NAO) warned Britain's food supply chain is at risk given the growing threat of cyber-attacks and the climate crisis.
The NAO said the government was too reliant on the private sector to deal with food supply disruption. The government is due to unveil a strategy about preparing for national emergencies later this year.
Dame Angela said "We're about to experience probably the largest El Niño that has ever been seen, and that will lead to drier summers, wetter winters, with more extreme storms in this country.
"It will do a lot more damage in Asia with flooding, and therefore I think that we need to take it seriously. If you've got a store of a bit of food that can keep you going for a while before the emergency services can get to you, you're going to be a lot better off than if you haven't. So some of it is that kind of preparation for just being a bit more resilient."
Her comments came as an NAO report warned Britain's food supply chain is vulnerable to plant or human disease outbreaks, cyber-attacks and extreme weather. It also cited climate change as a longer-term chronic risk which could leave Britain's food supply at risk. The disruptions could push up prices and leave vulnerable people struggling to buy food, it said.
The NAO said the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) was too reliant on private companies to handle disruptions to food supply. It added the department had not done enough in recent years to improve supply chain resilience.
UK households are less prepared for emergencies than those in several other countries such as Finland, Sweden and European Union nations, the NAO added. It said ministers should encourage households to prepare for supply chain disruptions and learn from the approaches taken by other countries.
Households should stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather as the strongest El Niño event in a generation develops over the Pacific Ocean, a government minister has said.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle told the Guardian the powerful natural climate phenomenon will lead to "more extreme storms in this country". Her comments came as the National Audit Office (NAO) warned Britain's food supply chain is at risk given the growing threat of cyber-attacks and the climate crisis.
The NAO said the government was too reliant on the private sector to deal with food supply disruption. The government is due to unveil a strategy about preparing for national emergencies later this year.
Dame Angela said "We're about to experience probably the largest El Niño that has ever been seen, and that will lead to drier summers, wetter winters, with more extreme storms in this country.
"It will do a lot more damage in Asia with flooding, and therefore I think that we need to take it seriously. If you've got a store of a bit of food that can keep you going for a while before the emergency services can get to you, you're going to be a lot better off than if you haven't. So some of it is that kind of preparation for just being a bit more resilient."
Her comments came as an NAO report warned Britain's food supply chain is vulnerable to plant or human disease outbreaks, cyber-attacks and extreme weather. It also cited climate change as a longer-term chronic risk which could leave Britain's food supply at risk. The disruptions could push up prices and leave vulnerable people struggling to buy food, it said.
The NAO said the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) was too reliant on private companies to handle disruptions to food supply. It added the department had not done enough in recent years to improve supply chain resilience.
UK households are less prepared for emergencies than those in several other countries such as Finland, Sweden and European Union nations, the NAO added. It said ministers should encourage households to prepare for supply chain disruptions and learn from the approaches taken by other countries.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:28, 8th September 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather, minister says
Households should stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather as the strongest El Niño event in a generation develops over the Pacific Ocean, a government minister has said.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle told the Guardian the powerful natural climate phenomenon will lead to "more extreme storms in this country". Her comments came as the National Audit Office (NAO) warned Britain's food supply chain is at risk given the growing threat of cyber-attacks and the climate crisis.
The NAO said the government was too reliant on the private sector to deal with food supply disruption. The government is due to unveil a strategy about preparing for national emergencies later this year.
Dame Angela said "We're about to experience probably the largest El Niño that has ever been seen, and that will lead to drier summers, wetter winters, with more extreme storms in this country.
"It will do a lot more damage in Asia with flooding, and therefore I think that we need to take it seriously. If you've got a store of a bit of food that can keep you going for a while before the emergency services can get to you, you're going to be a lot better off than if you haven't. So some of it is that kind of preparation for just being a bit more resilient."
Her comments came as an NAO report warned Britain's food supply chain is vulnerable to plant or human disease outbreaks, cyber-attacks and extreme weather. It also cited climate change as a longer-term chronic risk which could leave Britain's food supply at risk. The disruptions could push up prices and leave vulnerable people struggling to buy food, it said.
The NAO said the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) was too reliant on private companies to handle disruptions to food supply. It added the department had not done enough in recent years to improve supply chain resilience.
UK households are less prepared for emergencies than those in several other countries such as Finland, Sweden and European Union nations, the NAO added. It said ministers should encourage households to prepare for supply chain disruptions and learn from the approaches taken by other countries.
Households should stock up on food to prepare for extreme weather as the strongest El Niño event in a generation develops over the Pacific Ocean, a government minister has said.
Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle told the Guardian the powerful natural climate phenomenon will lead to "more extreme storms in this country". Her comments came as the National Audit Office (NAO) warned Britain's food supply chain is at risk given the growing threat of cyber-attacks and the climate crisis.
The NAO said the government was too reliant on the private sector to deal with food supply disruption. The government is due to unveil a strategy about preparing for national emergencies later this year.
Dame Angela said "We're about to experience probably the largest El Niño that has ever been seen, and that will lead to drier summers, wetter winters, with more extreme storms in this country.
"It will do a lot more damage in Asia with flooding, and therefore I think that we need to take it seriously. If you've got a store of a bit of food that can keep you going for a while before the emergency services can get to you, you're going to be a lot better off than if you haven't. So some of it is that kind of preparation for just being a bit more resilient."
Her comments came as an NAO report warned Britain's food supply chain is vulnerable to plant or human disease outbreaks, cyber-attacks and extreme weather. It also cited climate change as a longer-term chronic risk which could leave Britain's food supply at risk. The disruptions could push up prices and leave vulnerable people struggling to buy food, it said.
The NAO said the Department for Food, the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) was too reliant on private companies to handle disruptions to food supply. It added the department had not done enough in recent years to improve supply chain resilience.
UK households are less prepared for emergencies than those in several other countries such as Finland, Sweden and European Union nations, the NAO added. It said ministers should encourage households to prepare for supply chain disruptions and learn from the approaches taken by other countries.
I suspect Broadgage is way ahead of the game on this one!
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 13:38, 9th September 2026 | |
Indeed, I have long felt it sensible to keep a reserve of food, water, fuel and other supplies.
We are vulnerable not only to extreme weather, but also to industrial disputes, wars, coups and revolutions overseas, and other emergencies.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by TaplowGreen at 16:17, 9th September 2026 | |
Indeed, I have long felt it sensible to keep a reserve of food, water, fuel and other supplies.
We are vulnerable not only to extreme weather, but also to industrial disputes, wars, coups and revolutions overseas, and other emergencies.
We are vulnerable not only to extreme weather, but also to industrial disputes, wars, coups and revolutions overseas, and other emergencies.
Venison, pheasant, Port, paraffin, toilet rolls?
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 23:01, 9th September 2026 | |
FUEL, petrol, paraffin, propane cylinders, gas cartridges, logs, smokeless fuel.
Candles, batteries, mainly AA and D.
FOOD, mainly tins and dried pasta. Chocolate. lifeboat rations.
Bottled drinking water, barrel of rainwater.
Port, spirits.
Durable goods, oil lamps, battery lamps, tools, sheets, blankets, towels, long and short underwear. Large UPS.
No venison or phesant as perishable.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by TaplowGreen at 10:21, 10th September 2026 | |
FUEL, petrol, paraffin, propane cylinders, gas cartridges, logs, smokeless fuel.
Candles, batteries, mainly AA and D.
FOOD, mainly tins and dried pasta. Chocolate. lifeboat rations.
Bottled drinking water, barrel of rainwater.
Port, spirits.
Durable goods, oil lamps, battery lamps, tools, sheets, blankets, towels, long and short underwear. Large UPS.
No venison or phesant as perishable.
Candles, batteries, mainly AA and D.
FOOD, mainly tins and dried pasta. Chocolate. lifeboat rations.
Bottled drinking water, barrel of rainwater.
Port, spirits.
Durable goods, oil lamps, battery lamps, tools, sheets, blankets, towels, long and short underwear. Large UPS.
No venison or phesant as perishable.
Glad to see that both long and short underwear made the cut - you can't be too careful with these matters!
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 16:59, 10th September 2026 | |
Long underwear is preferred in severe cold weather, or in moderate cold if heating fuel is short, short underwear at other times.
Cotton is most comfortable for daily use, wool is warmest.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 17:35, 10th September 2026 | |
We are rather straying from the original topic, but I do agree with broadgage on that one.
CfN.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 20:55, 10th September 2026 | |
Candles, batteries, mainly AA and D.
Bottled drinking water
Bottled drinking water
Again, I agree with broadgage here.
In our household, we have a plentiful supply of candles in store.
We also have plenty of batteries, particularly AA and AAA. Interestingly, we also had a large number of D Cell, but after a family conference, we couldn't identify any of our appliances which used them. After making local enquiries, we couldn't find anyone else who would have a use for them - so we dumped them, in the recycling container at the local civic amenity site.
Bottled drinking water we also have. This has already proved useful, as we have suffered a couple of water supply
As well as those, we also have a sufficient supply of canned and dried food to last for several days, in case of need.
CfN.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by MVR S&T at 21:15, 10th September 2026 | |
That was my thoughts, what do we use D cells for now?
OS in post CFN.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:21, 10th September 2026 | |
OS in post CfN.
As an aside here on this topic, may I thank MVR S&T here for his very generous , and much appreciated, arrangement to post some of his surplus Ordnance Survey maps to me.
Chris from Nailsea.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 01:14, 11th September 2026 | |
That was my thoughts, what do we use D cells for now?
OS in post CFN.
OS in post CFN.
D cells are less used than in years gone by, but have the merit of costing about twice as much as AA cells but giving from 6 to 10 times the capacity.
Mainly used in larger torches and lanterns. Four D cells in a torch with a 700 ma bulb will run for about 12 hours, with AA cells under 2 hours.
D cells can also be used, with an adaptor, in railway type Bardic lamps, now that the correct AD 28 batteries are extinct.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by GBM at 16:09, 11th September 2026 | |
That was my thoughts, what do we use D cells for now?
OS in post CFN.
Our bathroom portable radio uses D x 2...........OS in post CFN.
Posted in error as past tense, but it is still in daily usage.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 22:08, 11th September 2026 | |
I used to have a very large 'Maglight' metal torch, which took at least three, possibly four, D cell batteries.
It was like lugging around a piece of scaffolding pole.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by GBM at 08:00, 12th September 2026 | |
I used to have a very large 'Maglight' metal torch, which took at least three, possibly four, D cell batteries.
It was like lugging around a piece of scaffolding pole.
It was like lugging around a piece of scaffolding pole.
Thank you for reminding me.
We still have a large Maglite in the cupboard. Tried it a minute ago, and still lights up, but not used it for years!
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Mark A at 08:37, 12th September 2026 | |
With torches from a previous era, a question is: 'Can I replace the bulb in this with a quality LED'? If the answer is 'Yes', this is rewarding (and even more so if a warm white LED is available, but perhaps that's just me.)
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by TaplowGreen at 11:46, 12th September 2026 | |
That was my thoughts, what do we use D cells for now?
OS in post CFN.
OS in post CFN.
D cells are less used than in years gone by, but have the merit of costing about twice as much as AA cells but giving from 6 to 10 times the capacity.
Mainly used in larger torches and lanterns. Four D cells in a torch with a 700 ma bulb will run for about 12 hours, with AA cells under 2 hours.
D cells can also be used, with an adaptor, in railway type Bardic lamps, now that the correct AD 28 batteries are extinct.
Could these batteries have the potential to be repurposed to provide heating for underwear in exceptionally cold conditions (be it short or long?)
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 12:37, 12th September 2026 | |
With torches from a previous era, a question is: 'Can I replace the bulb in this with a quality LED'? If the answer is 'Yes', this is rewarding (and even more so if a warm white LED is available, but perhaps that's just me.)
LEDs can be retrofitted to almost any torch. LED bulbs are available in both prefocus (pr 13.5) and miniature screw in (e 10) standard types are suitable for one cell to six cells. Specials are available for up to 30 volts, for lights that use cordless tool batteries, and for lights on electric cycles or mobility scooters.
Most are cool white, but warm white can be found.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 20:20, 12th September 2026 | |
I used to have a very large 'Maglight' metal torch, which took at least three, possibly four, D cell batteries.
It was like lugging around a piece of scaffolding pole.
It was like lugging around a piece of scaffolding pole.
Thank you for reminding me.
We still have a large Maglite in the cupboard. Tried it a minute ago, and still lights up, but not used it for years!
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by bobm at 20:32, 12th September 2026 | |
In my cupboard under the stairs I have a supply of candles, matches, two rechargeable torches, a power pack to charge a mobile phone and 24 bottles of Fullers beer.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 00:46, 13th September 2026 | |
Re: Torches.
I have done an audit and found that, while I no longer have that huge Maglite one, I do have at least two torches down in the garage and at least five here in the study.
There is also a plentiful supply of batteries for them.
The only items I seem to have overlooked are bottles of Fullers beer: I shall rectify that later today.
CfN.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by Oxonhutch at 10:48, 13th September 2026 | |
The only items I seem to have overlooked are bottles of Fullers beer: I shall rectify that later today.
A great feature of London Pride is that it can be consumed in the dark.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by TaplowGreen at 13:14, 13th September 2026 | |
The only items I seem to have overlooked are bottles of Fullers beer: I shall rectify that later today.
A great feature of London Pride is that it can be consumed in the dark.
.......after having lit a candle and checked you haven't mistakenly picked up Greene King IPA of course!
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by bobm at 14:24, 13th September 2026 | |
In my case it’s Fullers Golden Pride.
Down to 23 bottles now.
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 21:26, 13th September 2026 | |
Sweden advises citizens how to prepare for WAR OR DISASTER. (English version)
https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/03/26/the-swedish-handbook-in-case-of-crisis-or-war-official-resistance-resilience-brochure-for-citizens/
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by johnneyw at 21:59, 13th September 2026 | |
There's no use in having a good supply of candles if you've got no matches to light them with. I tested my box of Swan Vestas this morning and they all worked!
| Re: To 'stockpile food' is now our Government's official policy, apparently Posted by broadgage at 23:43, 13th September 2026 | |
There's no use in having a good supply of candles if you've got no matches to light them with. I tested my box of Swan Vestas this morning and they all worked!
There is always a flint, steel, and tinderbox. Very tedious but it does work and has the advantage that an almost unlimited number of candles may be lit, without needing any resupply.
