Home Office issues issue fresh guidance on terror attacks

The Home Office issued new guidance to the public today, advising them to keep tinned food, bottled water and a battery-powered torch at home.

In the run-up to war in Iraq, ministers updated their guidance to householders on how to protect themselves in the event of a major terrorist attack on Britain.

They stressed there was no specific information which had led them to believe terrorists were planning a large-scale incident in the country, such as a nuclear, chemical or biological attack.

But they advised the public: "It is sensible to be prepared for any emergency in the home and to make plans for any major disruption, including severe weather and floods."

Advice posted on the Home Office's terrorist website said householders should have on hand batteries, a battery-powered torch and radio, ready-to-eat food such as canned goods, bottled water and blankets.

Telephone numbers of local police, council, utility companies and family members should also be kept handy in one place, it added.

"Make sure you know where the main switches for electricity, water and gas are located in your home, as you may need to turn them off in an emergency," it added.

"Continue to go about your day-to-day business in the normal way, but remain alert and vigilant."

A Home Office spokeswoman stressed the updated information was not urging people to stockpile food and water.

"It's sensible to have a few bottles of water and some food around, just in case supplies are cut off," she said.

"It's certainly not advising people to stockpile against the threat of terrorism."

The advice urged members of the public to keep an eye out for suspect bags, packages or vehicles and for people acting suspiciously at stations or airports.

"Trust your instincts: if you feel something is wrong, ring the police," it added.

The website also stressed there was no need for the public to buy gas masks or protective clothing.

In the event of a terrorist attack, the website advised: "If you are at the site of an incident, follow the instruction of the emergency services.

"If it is a major incident and you are not in the immediate area, our advice is to 'go in, stay in, tune in'.

"It is always sensible to have a battery-powered or wind-up radio in the house to prepare for a range of emergencies, including power cuts and floods."

The Government would not be issuing a leaflet giving advice on a chemical or biological attack, it added, because "there is no such thing as a standard chemical or biological incident, and therefore no such thing as a standard response".

If a terror attack takes place while children are at school, police will work with schools to ensure children are protected, it said.

"The action taken would depend on the incident itself, and would not be very different from the emergency plans that schools already have for fire evacuations and bomb threats."

The Home Office's terrorism website can be accessed through www.homeoffice.gov.uk.