Residents in Norfolk are taking steps to prepare for potential emergencies, with some storing supplies and developing self-sufficient systems. This comes as the government is expected to launch a strategy later this year on how the public can better prepare for crises.
Helen Frayer, a former parish council clerk from Dereham, keeps emergency supplies such as tinned vegetables, long-life milk, and dog food. She began preparing last winter after becoming aware of government advice, which also includes readying homes and making escape plans.
Chris Campion, a retired train driver in Cantley, has assembled a "grab bag" containing rations, a camping stove, and water purification tablets in case of evacuation. He also has solar panels and a log supply for power cuts.
Peter Dawe, an entrepreneur, has spent two decades planning for his farm near Watton to be self-sufficient. The farm has facilities for flour milling, oil pressing, dairy production, and butchery, and could support 500 people with solar power, biofuel, and a borehole for water.
Local resilience forums, which include emergency services and councils, are responsible for planning for localised incidents. Scott Norman, chairman of Norfolk's forum, advises households to prepare for events like flooding or wildfires.