Two emergency services in Britain have been accused of 'scaremongering' after after advising people to carry 'grab bags' in case of disaster - prompting jokes the UK is facing a 'nuclear' apocalypse.

Police Scotland and Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue both unwittingly drew scorn from Twitter users after posting images of the bags, similar to survival packs suggested by US Homeland Security around times of flooding or earthquakes.

The packs contain first aid kits, torches, water and mobile phone chargers should be close to hand whenever you venture out of your home.

But it was met with bemusement as some said the suggestion was more suitable for a country facing martial law or a 'nuclear' apocalypse.

Police Scotland shared this image showing the contents that they believe people should carry in a grab bag

Some social media users saw the funny side and tweeted out their own suggestions, such as this bag of champagne

A number of social media users thought the tweet from the police was 'scaremongering' and slightly sinister

Twitter user kasiaChudski decided on a bespoke 'grab bag' consisting of a nerf crossbow and a radioactive cat

Social media user Martin Paul seemed more concerned with the incorrect use of the word 'flashlight' rather than torch

A number of users asked about a possible nuclear or zombie apocalypse potentially on the horizon

A number of social media users suggested the grab bag could help you survive some form of apocalypse

The tweet by Police Scotland said: 'September is preparedness month. Emergencies can happen at any time and it's recommended to have a #GrabBag ready containing essential items including medication, copies of important documents, food/water, torch, radio and other personal items.'

The recommendations are part of annual preparedness month that is being promoted by local authorities and emergency services.

Other items included in the suggested pack are a pen, notepad, toiletries, battery bank, seasonal clothing, radio batteries and a whistle.

The scale of the bundle seems to vary from force to force, with fire brigades also sharing the recommendation.

Some have suggested throwing in nappies, foot, toys and prescription medicine just in case.

The suggestions were met mockery on Twitter, where an account bearing the name Pointless Letters accused police of fear-mongering.

The post said: 'In these unsettled times, it's good to know that the police are always on hand to remind us that we should be in a permanent state of fear and borderline terror about the sword of Damocles hanging over all our heads. FEEL IT FEEL THE FEAR FEEL IIIIIIIT.'

While other social media users jokingly suggested their own grab bags were filled with bottles of champagne or gin.

One Twitter user even suggested taking a nerf crossbow and their radioactive cat.

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue shared this graphic, showing an array of items it believes people would be well-advised to carry with them

Some social media users compared the tweeting of grab bags to the end of the world or a possible nuclear apocalypse

Twitter user Daniel Durrans modified to picture to add some priorities which are decidedly gin focused

Twitter user velobetty said she had her grab bag sorted, which looks like a bottle of wine

Another social media user decided the only thing they needed for the 'impending apocalypse' was a grab bag of Walkers crisps

A number of extreme examples were used to justify the grab bag such as apocalypse and war

Others wondered whether the government was taking cues from Homeland Security in the US amid floods and earthquakes that blight the country.

One woman tweeted: 'This is an initiative from the USA's Dept of Homeland Security. Why are you promoting it? Has this directive come from UK/Sco Govt?!'

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'The messaging is part of a general resilience awareness campaign that runs each year during September which emergency services and partners across Britain are taking part in.'