Wind-up radios are flying off the shelves after the government advised the public to start stockpiling to prepare for a crisis.

At least seven models sold out at four outlets on Saturday, two days after the government listed battery and wind-up radios on the checklist for households to prepare for emergencies.

The “Be Ready” campaign marks the beginning of a three-year drive to boost household emergency preparedness , as defence secretary Wes Streeting unveiled updated advice for threats such as flooding and wildfires.

UK households are advised to take simple steps in case everyday services are disrupted, such as keeping a three-day supply of cash, bottled water and tinned food at home.

Maplin said its torch sales had risen by 284 per cent in the last few days, while sales of its power bank were up 106 per cent, The Telegraph reported.

Mr Streeting previously called for a “whole society approach” to strengthen national resilience, though he insisted people should remain “alert not alarmed” regarding…