A CAMPAIGN is being launched to encourage residents and businesses to be prepared for unexpected emergencies.

With extremes of weather becoming more common in the UK, Bexley Council says each household and business should have an emergency “grab bag” to hand, containing items such as wind up torches and radios, bottled water, basic toiletries, essential medicines, keys and emergency telephone numbers.

Councillor Colin Campbell, cabinet member for finance and corporate services said: “This time last year many residents and businesses in Bexley were affected by the power cut.

“It is timely that one year on, we remind and advise them of the need to prepare for such unexpected events.”

A booklet will be delivered to every home and business in the borough in September, giving advice on how to prepare for emergencies.