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BE PREPARED

Be Prepared With UKSN

Emergencies often strike without warning, and their impact can be devastating. From severe weather events like floods and storms to unexpected disruptions such as power outages, being prepared is crucial for protecting your family, home, and community. Prepping isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment, ensuring that you’re ready to face challenges with confidence and resilience.

For members of UKSN, preparedness goes beyond individual actions. It’s about creating a culture of self-reliance, mutual assistance, and community strength. By adopting a proactive approach, you can minimise risks, safeguard your loved ones, and contribute to a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to supporting one another in times of need.

Why Being a Prepper Is Important

  1. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a plan reduces anxiety during uncertain times.

  2. Faster Response: Preparation ensures you can act quickly and decisively in emergencies.

  3. Reduced Impact: Mitigation strategies, such as having a Bug-Out Bag (BOB) or an emergency plan, can minimise the effects of disasters on your household.

  4. Community Strength: Prepping fosters cooperation and shared resources, making everyone safer.

Image by Chris Gallagher

 LATEST PREPPING BLOG POSTS 

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The UKSN Crisis Centre is currently in its alpha stage but aims to become a core resource for learning how to handle emergencies, reporting UK-specific issues, and accessing relevant news, tips, and advice to stay informed and prepared.

 STEPS FOR BEING PREPARED 

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STEP 1

Join UKSN

Joining UKSN is your first step towards a more prepared lifestyle. As part of the UKSN community, you’ll gain access to resources, events, and a network of like-minded individuals who share your commitment to self-reliance and resilience.

Benefits of Membership:

  • Access to exclusive resources and our radio licence.

  • Opportunities to attend UKSN events, and camps.

  • The chance to join or create a UKSN Charter for local mutual assistance.

  • A supportive community where you can share knowledge and experiences.

  • Member only discounts and offers.

 

Joining is easy—visit the UKSN website and become part of a growing movement dedicated to preparedness.

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STEP 2

Grab Your UKSN Membership Pack

If you join UKSN on a Paid tier you can request a physical membership pack which contains a whole host of goodies including:

Standard Membership Pack 

  • Membership card

  • Loyalty Card

  • Quick start leaflet

 

Advanced Membership Pack 

  • Membership card

  • Self laminating sleeve (To protect the membership card)

  • Loyalty Card

  • Certificate of membership

  • 6 Exclusive stickers

  • Quick start leaflet


Ultimate Membership Pack 

  • Membership card

  • Self laminating sleeve (To protect the membership card)

  • Loyalty Card

  • Certificate of membership

  • 6 Exclusive stickers

  • Event/camp ticket - worth up to £45 (Pay Yearly Members Only)

  • Paracord bracelet

  • Quick start leaflet 

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STEP 3

Stay Connected With UKSN

Once you have signed up to UKSN, its important to connect with the community on key social media platforms.

Facebook Group

Be part of the conversation in the UKSN Facebook Group. Share ideas, ask questions, and connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for preparedness and outdoor adventures.

Facebook Page

Stay informed with updates, event announcements, and tips by following the UKSN Facebook page. It’s your go-to source for the latest from the community.

WhatsApp Community

Stay connected in real-time by joining the UKSN WhatsApp Community. This platform allows for quick updates, advice sharing, casual communication, and support during emergencies or when preparing for events.

Instagram

Get inspired with photos, reels, and stories showcasing the best of UKSN events, tips, and outdoor experiences. Follow us on Instagram to see the UKSN lifestyle in action.

TikTok

Follow what we have been up to at events, and camps, plus check out our day-to-day adventures!

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STEP 4

Download and Complete the UKSN Household Emergency Plan

Preparation starts with a plan, and the UKSN Household Emergency Plan template is designed to guide your household through emergency scenarios effectively.

  • What It Is: A printable, customisable plan that covers essential details, from emergency contacts to evacuation routes.

  • Why It’s Important: Having a written plan ensures everyone in your household knows what to do, reducing confusion and delays in critical situations.

  • How to Access It:
    Navigate to the Files section on the UKSN website: General Files > Emergency. Print and complete the plan, tailoring it to your household's needs.

This document will be your go-to guide in any emergency, providing clarity and direction when you need it most.

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STEP 5

Create Bug-Out Bags (BOBs) for All Family Members

A Bug-Out Bag is a pre-packed kit containing essential items you’d need to survive for at least 72 hours in an emergency.

  • Why They’re Important: BOBs ensure that everyone in your household has access to basic necessities during evacuations or prolonged disruptions.

  • What to Include:

    • Water and water purification methods

    • Non-perishable food

    • Medications and first aid supplies

    • Torches, batteries, and power banks

    • Clothing and hygiene items

    • Copies of important documents in waterproof cases

 

Customise each BOB for individual needs, ensuring that children, pets, and those with specific health requirements are accounted for.

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STEP 6

Establish Communications with Project Lora and UHF/VHF Radios


In emergencies, reliable communication is vital. UKSN members have access to Project Lora, a low-power, long-range system that operates independently of mobile networks. Advanced and Ultimate members additionally unlock access to our radio licence.

  • Project Lora: Ideal for staying connected in remote areas or during network failures.

  • UHF/VHF Radios: Provide robust communication on authorised frequencies for effective and legal use.


Learn more about these tools and how to set them up using UKSN resources to ensure you’re prepared to stay connected during emergencies.

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STEP 7

Create or Join a Charter

Preparedness is stronger when it’s shared. UKSN Charters are local, member-run groups that focus on mutual assistance and community resilience.

  • Why Join a Charter?

    • Share resources, skills, and knowledge with like-minded individuals in your area.

    • Collaborate on local preparedness plans, including flood defences and emergency response strategies.

    • Build a network of support to rely on during emergencies.

  • How to Start or Join a Charter:

    • Check the UKSN website for existing Charters in your area.

    • If none exist, take the initiative to start one, using UKSN resources and guidance to establish a successful group.

Charters are at the heart of the UKSN philosophy, transforming individual preparedness into community strength.

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STEP 8

Monitor Core Websites

Staying informed is a crucial part of being prepared. Regularly monitor these key websites for real-time updates and essential information:

Environment Agency Flood Warnings: Sign up for free alerts. These notifications can provide life-saving information about rising water levels and evacuation orders.

Met Office Weather Updates: Regularly check the Met Office for weather forecasts and severe weather warnings.


National Grid Outage Map: For updates on potential power outages or energy supply issues.

PDC Disaster Alert Map: For worldwide emergency alerts.

BBC News: For reliable breaking news coverage.

By keeping these sites bookmarked and checking them regularly, you’ll always stay ahead of potential emergencies.

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STEP 8

Practice and Train with Your Kit

Preparedness isn’t just about having the right gear—it’s about knowing how to use it effectively. Regular practice and training build confidence and ensure you’re ready for any situation.

  • First Aid: Learn lifesaving skills through certified courses, giving you the ability to handle injuries until professional help arrives.

  • Navigation: Hone your map-reading and compass skills to stay oriented, especially in unfamiliar or remote areas.

  • Use Your Kit: Familiarise yourself with your gear. Practice setting up shelters, using fire-starting tools, or purifying water so you’re ready when it matters.

 

UKSN provides resources, events, and community support to help you develop these critical skills and improve your preparedness.

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STEP 9

Review Your Kit and Plans Regularly

Preparedness isn’t a one-time effort—it requires regular updates to ensure everything is up-to-date and functional.

  • Check Your Kit: Inspect your emergency supplies periodically. Replace expired items, recharge batteries, and update tools or equipment as needed.

  • Update Your Plans: Review your Household Emergency Plan to reflect any changes, such as new family members, updated contact information, or changes in local risks.

  • Practise Drills: Test your plans with your household to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.

By keeping your kit and plans current, you’ll maintain confidence in your preparedness and be ready to adapt to any situation.

 ALL PREPPING ARTICLES 

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