Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

London council apologises over emergency 'grab and go bag' tweet

Wandsworth Council clarified that ‘we’re not trying to scare you’ after scathing criticism online

Daniel Wittenberg
Monday 21 September 2020 14:34 BST
Comments
Wandsworth Council posted the picture on its Twitter account on Sunday
Wandsworth Council posted the picture on its Twitter account on Sunday (Wandsworth Council)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

A south London council has apologised for scaring social media users after sharing advice warning people to make plans for a potential evacuation.

Wandsworth Council uploaded an image to Twitter on Sunday recommending that residents prepare an emergency bag “in case you need to flee your home immediately without time to pack.”

Some of the items suggested for the “grab-and-go” bag included a first-aid kit, batteries, a whistle and a torch.

The notice sparked a backlash from members of the public, who complained about a lack of context for the post, which some felt could cause additional distress in a time of uncertainty.

The council later clarified: “Don’t worry, we’re not trying to scare you."

It explained that the picture was part of its contribution to an annual nationwide campaign, #30days30waysUK, which aims to help households and communities prepare for environmental risks.

Dozens of local councils, as well as other institutions, have also signed up to the campaign, and some tweeted similar messages over the weekend.

The council replied to a comment from one Twitter user, who wrote: “Great idea but perhaps could have read the room and considered the anxiety this could cause some. Could have been worded a bit better.”

“Agreed. We’re sorry to have caused alarm,” its official account said.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Council said: “This is part of an annual national campaign, supported by many public bodies up and down the country, including councils, the NHS, police and fire services, and is aimed primarily at those in vulnerable situations who may need to leave their homes at a moment’s notice.

“This includes people living in a flood risk area, victims of domestic violence or those who may be affected by a gas leak or a power cut.

“This national campaign simply urges people to be prepared for sudden emergencies.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in