‘Be Ready’ campaign warns of growing risks from severe weather, cyber attacks and other disruptions as prime minister says unexpected events are becoming more common.
The UK government has advised households across the country to keep at least three days’ worth of emergency supplies at home, citing increasing risks from severe weather, cyber attacks and other potential disruptions to essential services.
The guidance forms part of the newly launched “Be Ready” campaign, which encourages people to stockpile bottled water, non-perishable food and other basic items so they can remain self-sufficient for 72 hours if power, water, communications or supply chains are interrupted.
UK Urges Households to Keep Three Days of Emergency Supplies:
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said unexpected events “seem to be becoming more common” and urged the public to ensure they have the necessary supplies ready. Speaking during a meeting on wildfire response, he said Britain had previously been “on the back foot” in dealing with emergencies and needed to become more proactive.
Officials pointed to this week’s widespread internet disruption caused by a PHP software vulnerability, as well as a summer of extreme heat, drought and wildfires, as recent examples that underscored the need for greater household preparedness. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has also highlighted the threat of increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks and potential disruption from hostile states or terrorists.
The recommended checklist includes nine litres of bottled water per person (three litres a day for drinking, with extra for cooking and washing), along with non-perishable foods such as tinned meat, fish and vegetables, dried fruit and nuts. Households are also advised to keep a torch with spare batteries, a battery-powered or wind-up FM radio, a charged power bank, cash, a first-aid kit, essential medications, blankets, hand sanitiser, wet wipes and, where relevant, baby formula, nappies and pet food.
UK Promotes 72-Hour Emergency Preparedness for Households:
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said those who are able to follow the advice should do so, noting that basic preparation by the public would ease pressure on emergency services and allow them to focus on those most in need.
The campaign brings the UK more closely into line with guidance already issued in several European countries, including France, Ireland and the Netherlands, which recommend 72-hour emergency kits. Officials stressed that the aim is not to encourage panic buying but to build resilience gradually through regular shopping.
The advice comes ahead of the winter storm season and against a backdrop of heightened concern about climate impacts, technological vulnerabilities and geopolitical risks. Government sources have indicated that an advertising campaign on social media and radio will follow to reinforce the message. While the guidance is voluntary, ministers have framed it as a practical step that could help households weather short-term crises and support the wider emergency response.