Yahoo News Wandsworth Council sparks confusion over emergency 'grab and go bag' tweet
A council in south west London has sparked confusion after sharing details for an emergency "grab and go bag" on social media.
Wandsworth Council shared the ominous message on Twitter on Sunday, prompting a panicked reaction from hundreds of social media users who demanded an explanation for the post.
"A #GrabBag is a bag full of emergency items in case you need to flee your home immediately without time to pack," the tweet said.
"Some of the items that are suggested for the bag include a first aid kit, batteries, a whistle and a torch."
The post was accompanied by a picture of a backpack with the word "emergency" on it, and a list of items to pack in the bag, including an "emergency plan".
A #GrabBag is a bag full of emergency items in case you need to flee your home immediately without time to pack.
Some of the items that are suggested for the bag include a first aid kit, batteries, a whistle and a torch. #30Days30WaysUK #HouseholdPreparedness pic.twitter.com/Hv276jc08r— Wandsworth Council (@wandbc)
Social media users highlighted the "alarm" and "anxiety" caused by the tweet, with some branding it "irresponsible".
"Great idea but perhaps could have read the room and considered the anxiety this could cause some. Could have been worded a bit better," one said.
Another wrote: "I'm actually really irritated by this. Why would we need to flee our home in Wandsworth? What are you anticipating? What emergency plan? Care to elaborate?"
A third said: "What’s the context for this please @wandbc? We’ve all been inside our home for over six months now, for most of us they’re our safe places in a scary time which isn’t getting any easier.
Great idea but perhaps could have read the room and considered the anxiety this could cause some. Could have been worded a bit better.
— Dani (@dani__dan__)
"This isn’t going to make anyone feel comforted at all..."
"This wouldn’t sound so odd if you gave examples of why anyone would need to flee their home," a fourth wrote.
"People in America have these bags for Hurricanes bushfires and earthquakes, none of which the people of Wandsworth need to be concerned about."
Replying to one of the posts, Wandsworth Council admitted: "Agreed. We're sorry to have caused alarm."
I'm actually really irritated by this. Why would we need to flee our home in Wandsworth? What are you anticipating? What emergency plan? Care to elaborate?
— Lotty Earns (@lottyburns)
The council later sought to reassure its followers on Twitter, adding: "Don't worry, we're not trying to scare you. This is part of our contribution to the #30days30waysUK campaign - a month-long national campaign.
"We're working with our Emergency Planning team to send out a tweet a day advising people how to be prepared in different situations. More on the work of the team here."
The Standard has contacted Wandsworth Council for comment.
