People encouraged to keep this household item ready as WW3 fears heighten

The clock is ticking, and we don't just mean the Doomsday Clock. Whether it's wars in the Middle East or the potential that Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, or Xi Jinping could press their red buttons, the world is on high alert for the next big global conflict.

Artificial intelligence has already predicted the devastating death toll of World War 3, the futuristic weapons that would undoubtedly be used, and where (if anywhere) will likely be marked as 'safe' as bombs rain from the sky.

As Russian propagandists threaten to nuke the United Kingdom and there's talk about what US citizens could be drafted to the cause, it's no surprise that the Doomsday Clock is closer to midnight than ever before.

More worringly, some think we're already in the midst of World War 3, but we haven't even realized it.

We're told to keep certain items handy in case of WW3 (Vladimir Zapletin / Getty)

While we hopefully won't reach the Earth-shattering scenario of a full-blown World War 3 in our lifetimes, we're being warned to keep certain household items nearby in case things escalate.

Putin's general Apti Alaudinov claimed that WWIII is already here, telling the rest of the world: "We need to prepare at least half a million people in advance. But realistically, one million people. “We need to call them up and start preparing them for the fact that the war has already begun, which we already know is happening - World War 3. But it has already taken on a new turn and a new momentum."

It's no surprise that people are a little anxious right now, which won't be helped by a National Security Strategy from the UK government. Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his concerns about nuclear warfare, with one passage stating: "The threat to the UK and our allies from nuclear weapons is once again growing.

"Tackling this challenge is likely to be more complex than it was even in the Cold War, with more states with more nuclear weapons, the further proliferation of nuclear and disruptive technology, and the failure of international arms control arrangements to keep pace."

This comes off the back of France issuing its own survival guides.

According to the UK's 'Prepare' government campaign, we need to ready ourselves for a power cut with survival kits for our doomsday bunkers or general shelters. As we've seen with recent strikes, taking out an infrastructure tends to be the first on the list of an attacking nation.

The UK government tells citizens to keep a wind-up radio handy, explaining: "There might be updates communicated by radio during a power cut."

Although car radios can also be used, extreme conditions might mean it's safer to stay inside. You're advised to write down frequencies of local and national radio stations for news updates, then keep these notes handy as part of your household emergency plan. You should put it in a place that's easy to find in the dark.

The campaign also tells you to keep spare batteries and a wind-up torch, because using the one on your phone will drain its juice quicker.

You're unsurprisingly told to keep a supply of bottled water, non-perishable foods like tinned meat that don't need cooking, and fresh fruit or veg.

It's all pretty general stuff, but with any luck, we'll never have to resort to needing these doomsday preparations.