National Risk Register goes live

A document that outlines the biggest risks to the UK population and security in this country has been made available online.

This kind of information has been kept out of the public domain until now, but the National Risk Register is "designed to increase awareness of the kinds of risks the UK faces".

The aim of making the document publicly available is to encourage individuals and organisations to "think about their own preparedness", the government said.

The biggest risk to the nation at the moment is judged to be an influenza pandemic. Major traffic accidents, terrorism and cyber-attacks also feature high on the list.

Part of the document specifically outlines the steps that individuals should take in the event of fuel shortages, loss of mains electricity or gas, disruption to IT and human diseases.

www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/reports/national_risk_register.aspx