The UK government is urging households to keep at least three days’ worth of essential emergency supplies as part of a national preparedness campaign called ‘Be Ready’. The three-year initiative aims to help people cope if electricity, communications, transport or other essential services are disrupted, and the government says the advice is precautionary rather than an indication that a specific emergency is imminent.
Why the government is issuing this advice
The guidance reflects growing concerns about national security and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure. Officials cite a range of potential threats, including hostile state activity, cyberattacks and sabotage, any of which could disrupt electricity, communications, transport or other services on which households depend.
Modern life depends heavily on digital systems, and the government warns that a major cyberattack could affect banking services, supermarket payment systems, telecommunications or public infrastructure, making access to essential goods and services difficult.
Extreme weather and natural disasters are also part of the rationale: flooding, severe storms and wildfires can damage infrastructure, interrupt transport and leave homes without power or water while emergency services work to restore services.
Authorities note that problems affecting transport networks, energy supplies or distribution systems can temporarily limit access to food, water and other necessities, so a basic reserve can help households manage until services resume.
The campaign is not presented as preparation for war: although security concerns include threats from hostile states and increasing cyber risk, the government has not said war is imminent or that a specific emergency is about to occur. The message is to be prepared without alarm.
Government research found that only 13 per cent of people surveyed felt their household was largely or fully prepared for an emergency, and officials pointed to recent storms, wildfires and service disruptions as reasons to improve public readiness. The ‘Be Ready’ campaign is intended to make emergency preparation a normal part of household planning. Similar three-day preparedness advice is already used in several European countries.
Emergency supplies: what to keep
The government recommends a basic three-day reserve, which households can build up gradually rather than buying everything at once. Key items include:
– Food and water: three days’ worth of non-perishable food and bottled water, with around three litres of drinking water per person per day.
– Power and lighting: a torch, spare batteries and a charged power bank.
– Communication: a battery-powered or wind-up radio to receive updates if internet and mobile services are disrupted.
– Medical and hygiene supplies: essential medicines, a first-aid kit, hand sanitiser and wet wipes.
– Other essentials: some cash, blankets, warm clothing and supplies for babies or pets where needed.
The campaign’s advice is framed as a practical, precautionary step to help households cope with a range of possible disruptions rather than a signal of an imminent crisis.
