Keynsham Town Council has reassured residents after sending out emergency preparedness postcards that mistakenly included a disconnected phone number.
The postcard encourages households to assemble a “grab-and-go” emergency bag containing essentials such as food, water, medication, a whistle, batteries, clothes, toiletries, a phone charger, radio, torch, first aid kit, and an emergency plan. It also features a QR code to help locate the nearest public defibrillator.
“This initiative is about preparedness, not alarm,” explained Councillor Martin Burton, chair of the community resilience committee responsible for the campaign. “We want residents to take a few minutes to consider how they can be ready before an emergency strikes.”
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However, the card incorrectly lists a phone number for the town council’s emergency refuge locations—a number that has been disconnected and was previously used by a local plumber. The council’s correct contact number is 0117 986 8683, differing from the misprinted number by one digit.
The council emphasized that the card aims to inform and empower residents rather than cause worry, highlighting potential emergencies such as flooding, extreme weather, grass fires, loss of water supply, or power outages. They stressed this preparation is precautionary and not in response to any imminent threat.
Keynsham has a history of flooding, notably the Great Flood of 1968, when heavy rainfall created devastating conditions in the Chew Valley and Keynsham, resulting in eight fatalities.
In addition to emergency supplies, the postcard encourages residents to use the QR code to find accessible defibrillators around town. With 70% of cardiac arrests happening at home, quick access to defibrillators greatly increases chances of survival. The council has expanded defibrillator availability, now placing ten throughout Keynsham.
For emergencies, residents are reminded to call 999 immediately.