Last week, the UK government has urged households to prepare for three days without essential services, including electricity, water, phone networks and internet access, as new research found that only 13% of Britons feel prepared for an emergency. The advice is part of a new national campaign called “Be Ready,” launched on October 22 to help people cope with disruptions caused by severe weather, cyberattacks and other emergencies. However, just 13% of people in the UK feel they’re prepared for an emergency that could cut them off from the services they rely on, and that 84% want the Government to do more to share information about the steps they can take to increase their preparedness.
The government has asked people to keep bottled water and non-perishable food at home for three days, alongside other essentials that could help them manage if normal services are disrupted.
Why has the UK government issued the new emergency advice?
The campaign follows severe weather events and wildfires that disrupted communities and highlighted how much people rely on essential services in their daily lives.
In a written statement to Parliament on October 22, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the storms last winter and wildfires during the summer showed how severe weather could disrupt services such as phones, electricity, water and the internet.
The government also cited research showing that 84% of people wanted more information about how to prepare for emergencies. The new campaign aims to provide simple, practical steps that households can take without having to make all the preparations at once.
The initiative is part of a three-year public information campaign intended to improve the UK's resilience to emergencies. More than 500 organisations, including emergency services, local authorities, businesses and community groups, have been involved in helping develop or share the advice.
ReutersA shopper reads the packaging of an item in a supermarket in London, Britain, August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
UK emergency alert: Households urged to take small, simple steps
Households are being encouraged to take a few simple steps to stay prepared if everyday services are temporarily disrupted. "The advice is the first stage of a three-year campaign to help households across the UK feel better prepared for events such as severe weather, which can occasionally affect services including power, water, phones and the internet.
The campaign focuses on straightforward things people can do in advance, including signing up to the Priority Services Register - a service that helps gas, water, and electricity companies identify customers that may need extra support in an emergency - and keep a small supply of non-perishable food and bottled water at home," the government said.
The recommended supplies include:
- Water: Bottled water providing at least three litres per person per day for drinking. Additional water may be needed for cooking and washing.
- Food: Non-perishable items such as canned meat, fish and vegetables, dried fruit and nuts.
- Light and warmth: A torch with spare batteries, blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing.
- Communication: A battery-powered or wind-up FM radio and a charged power bank.
- Money and documents: Some cash in coins and notes, payment cards and copies of important documents.
- Medical supplies: A first-aid kit, essential medication and relevant medical information.
- Hygiene and family needs: Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, bathroom products, baby formula, nappies and pet food, where required.
What is the UK government's Be Ready campaign?
The “Be Ready” campaign is a three-year initiative led by the UK government in collaboration with the devolved administrations, local authorities and other organisations. It aims to improve public awareness of emergency preparedness and help communities become more resilient to disruption.
ReutersA shopper loads up their trolley with vegetables in a supermarket in London, Britain, August 18, 2026. REUTERS/Jack Taylor
The guidance also asks eligible households to register for the Priority Services Register, which allows electricity, gas and water providers to identify customers who may need additional support during service interruptions. The government says signing up is free. In Northern Ireland, equivalent arrangements are known as Customer Care Registers.
"The ‘Be Ready’ campaign will build gradually over time. More than five hundred organisations across the UK, from charities to businesses, have already signed-up to share messaging and campaign assets within their networks and communities. Government channels like GOV.UK and social media accounts will also amplify content.
Over the coming weeks and months, social media and radio advertising will help reach audiences who may be particularly at-risk in everyday emergencies: families with young children and older people.
To ensure the updated advice is relevant and accessible to all, the ‘Be Ready’ campaign has been built in collaboration with charities and campaigners that work with groups that are often under-represented, including people with insecure housing and people who use foodbanks," the government said.