Preparing for Emergencies

Preparing for Emergencies was a public information campaign produced by the Home Office, a department of the United Kingdom Government. It advised British citizens on what to do in the event of a natural disaster, accident or terrorism. The campaign began on 26 July 2004 in the wake of several major disasters, such as the 11 March 2004 Madrid train bombings, SARS, and the 2001 UK foot and mouth crisis. The campaign was in the form of a 22-page booklet which covered topics such as transport accidents, health, foot and mouth disease, terrorism, and fire safety.[1]

The logo of Preparing for Emergencies

The booklet was distributed to all UK households but received some criticism – comparing it to Protect and Survive, a 1980s series of public information films and a booklet that instructed people on how to remain safe from nuclear war. Some sections of the media also accused the government of "scaremongering", although information was provided on topics other than terrorism.

Soon after the website accompanying the booklet was launched, a parody website under the URL www.preparingforemergencies.co.uk was created by English web developer and influencer Tom Scott.[2][3][4] Said to be from "HM Department of Vague Paranoia", it parodied the seemingly obvious advice given by the booklets, and gave advice such as: "Alien Invasion: Negotiate using sign language, if possible. Failing that, and assuming they aren't armed with futuristic ray guns, run like hell".[5] The Home Office initially objected to the website, stating that the URL was too similar to that of their own website, www.preparingforemergencies.gov.uk, and demanded the website be taken down.[6] However, after a link to the official website was added, the Home Office conceded the issue, and allowed the site to remain online.[7]

Following the original distribution, no more booklets have been produced, although the website was updated with advice on possible bird flu epidemics and the 7 July 2005 London bombings.

In 2011–2012 the website was permanently closed, and official emergency preparedness information[8] for the UK was moved to the gov.uk website. As of 2023, the spoof website is still online.[9]

The components of the logo are used to indicate resources or actions to follow during an emergency.[10] From left to right, they are:

  • "i" on blue background - Information
  • "999" on purple background - What to do in an emergency (Emergency Services)
  • Right arrow on green background - Go in
  • Lock on red background - Stay in
  • Dash on yellow background - Tune in (to local radio or television)
  • Cross on turquoise background - Administer first aid

The logo is still used by local government organizations giving information on civil defence.[10][11] The development of the logo cost £17,000 in 2004.[12]

See also

References
  1. "Terror advice pamphlet unveiled". 2004-07-26. Archived from the original on 2021-02-12. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  2. Tom Scott (2018-08-27), That Time I Got In Trouble With The Government, archived from the original on 2021-12-19, retrieved 2018-08-27
  3. "Spoof website will stay online". BBC. 2004-07-29. Archived from the original on 2022-03-27.
  4. "Preparing for Emergencies - Homepage". www.preparingforemergencies.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
  5. Also, the spoof site references the Simon Pegg and Nick Frost film Shaun of the Dead, by saying "The assailants can be stopped by removing the head or destroying the brain. Suitable tools you may find in your shed include shovels, cricket bats, and similar items." Spoof website will stay online, BBC News, 2004
  6. Sherriff, Lucy. "Emergency advice parody misses Gov UK funny bone". www.theregister.com. Archived from the original on 2022-03-27. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  7. "Spoof website will stay online". BBC News. 29 July 2004. Archived from the original on 31 December 2022. Retrieved 27 August 2018. The Cabinet Office is 'unlikely to take any further action' over a spoof website which parodies its online Preparing for Emergencies advice.
  8. HM Government guidance, Cabinet Office, 2016
  9. "Preparing for Emergencies - Homepage". preparingforemergencies.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-05-02.
  10. "Let's get prepared". Staffordshire Prepared. Staffordshire Civil Contingencies Unit. Archived from the original on 2016-10-14. Retrieved 2016-10-13.
  11. "Don't Panic - Prepare!" (PDF). City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2018-07-22. Retrieved 2016-10-13.
  12. Murphy, Jim (2005-12-12). "Cabinet Office - Departmental Expenditure". Written Answers. UK Parliament. Archived from the original on 2022-02-08. Retrieved 2016-10-13.
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