Keynsham Town Council has reassured residents following the distribution of an emergency preparedness postcard urging them to assemble a “grab-and-go” bag of essential items. The initiative aims to encourage practical readiness without causing alarm.
The card encourages households to gather important supplies such as food, water, medication, a whistle, batteries, clothing, toiletries, a phone charger, radio, torch, first aid kit, and an emergency plan. It also provides space for residents to note important contacts and features a QR code to locate the nearest public-access defibrillator.
Community Resilience Committee Chair, Councillor Martin Burton, emphasized, “This initiative is about being prepared, not alarmed. We encourage residents to take a few minutes to complete the leaflet and consider essential steps before any emergency arises. Preparedness can make a significant difference.”
READ MORE: Silver Sands Holiday Park: Luxury Family Glamping Just Three Hours from Somerset
READ MORE: Bowel Cancer Warning: Under-50s Urged to Never Ignore 4 Key Symptoms
However, the card mistakenly printed an incorrect phone number for contacting the town council about the nearest refuge location. The number given belonged to a local plumber and is no longer in service. The correct council number is 0117 986 8683—just one digit different.
Potential emergencies cited include flooding, extreme weather, grass fires, water supply loss, and power outages. The council stressed that the recommendation to prepare is precautionary and not in response to any immediate threat.
The memory of the Great Flood of 1968—a devastating event that brought massive rainfall and flooding to the area, claiming eight lives—is still vivid in the community’s collective memory. The council hopes that better preparation will help residents face any future emergencies more confidently.
In addition to preparedness advice, the postcard highlights the importance of quick access to defibrillators. With 70% of cardiac arrests happening at home, timely use of a defibrillator can dramatically increase survival chances. Keynsham has invested in expanding access, now boasting over ten public defibrillators throughout the town.
Residents are urged to scan the QR code to identify their nearest defibrillator and keep the council’s correct phone number handy: 0117 986 8683. In any emergency, dialing 999 remains the primary action.