Brits issued 'nuclear war preparation guide' by government with one 'must have' item

 The Doomsday Clock with which atomic boffins predict our chances of getting wiped out by a nuclear war is already at 89 seconds to midnight - and it's set to tick forward again this month as global tensions rise. So what to do if you hear a siren or get the chilling alert on your phone?

The UK government has three key actions for you in World War III: Go in, stay in, tune in. We must go indoors, stay put, and wait for one or two days for advice on what to do next.

You can start preparing for the apocalypse now, though, by stocking up on a few key items. The government's list features stuff you might expect like water and first aid items.

But have you got the vital lifeline to hear what to do next - a wind-up radio? Derrick, a member of the "preparedness community" on TikTok, recently highlighted why you'll need it.

"Hopefully you can have a radio so you can hear the government tell you when it is safe to go outside," although he added, "hopefully there is still an intact government." Crank radios have already provided vital for victims of recent power cuts in Spain and Portugal, not to mention the devastation in Ukraine or the Gaza Strip.

If you want get one now in good time for Armageddon, you can likely find one on TikTok. The online market is booming amid the world's rising tensions. Here's the other stuff the government reckons you should stock up on to be ready when disaster strikes.

What to have in your emergency kit

Battery or wind-up torch – torches are safer than candles.

Portable power bank for charging your mobile phone.

Battery or wind-up radio to get updates during a power cut – a car radio can be used, however in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside.

Spare batteries for torches and radio and a backup battery for any medical equipment you rely on.

A first aid kit (or some first aid items) including items such as waterproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape for dressings, and tweezers.

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene purposes when the water is off.

Bottled water – there is no standard figure for this as emergencies can vary in duration and people use different amounts. A minimum of 2.5-3 litres of drinking water per person per day is recommended by the World Health Organisation for survival. 10 litres per person per day will make you more comfortable by also providing for basic cooking and hygiene needs. Additional water might be needed to make up baby formula, for medical devices and for pets.

Non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking, such as ready-to-eat tinned meat, fruit or vegetables (and a tin opener). As with water, how much you need will vary based on your own circumstances. Don’t forget food for pets.

Baby supplies such as nappies and baby formula – ready made or ‘ready-to-feed’ formula is best as you may not be able to boil water or sterilise bottles.

Rather than buying all the items at once, the government suggests we can just add to our emergency kits when we can and build them up over time.