The government has launched a three-year national emergency preparedness campaign encouraging households across the UK to keep enough essential supplies to manage for three days if everyday services are disrupted.
The Cabinet Office announced the Be Ready campaign on Thursday 22 October 2026, alongside updated advice covering events such as severe storms, flooding, wildfires and interruptions to electricity, water, telephone and internet services.
Three days of food and water
Households are advised to keep three days of non-perishable food and bottled water at home. The government checklist suggests three litres of drinking water per person per day, with additional water needed for cooking and washing.
Other suggested items include a torch, spare batteries, warm clothing, a battery-powered or wind-up radio, a charged power bank, first-aid supplies, essential medicines, and a small amount of cash in case electronic payment systems are unavailable. Families are encouraged to consider the needs of babies, pets and anyone requiring medical support.
The advice is not compulsory. Ministers say households can assemble supplies gradually and should begin by checking what they already have, rather than buying everything at once.
Only 13% say they feel prepared
In a written ministerial statement, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said updated government research found that just 13% of people in the UK felt prepared for an emergency that could cut them off from essential services, while 84% wanted more government information about how to prepare.
The government says it has engaged with more than 500 organisations, including charities, local authorities, emergency services and groups representing people who may need extra support. It has worked with devolved administrations and local leaders on the campaign.
Priority support for vulnerable households
A central recommendation is for eligible households to sign up to the Priority Services Register, which helps utility providers identify customers who may require additional support during outages. In Northern Ireland, equivalent arrangements are known as Customer Care Registers.
Jarvis acknowledged that some households will not be able to follow every recommendation. The government says the campaign is intended to offer practical, affordable steps and help emergency responders prioritise people with the greatest needs.
Not a warning of an imminent attack
The campaign does not amount to a warning that a particular attack or national emergency is imminent. The Cabinet Office emphasises familiar hazards such as severe weather and temporary interruptions to services. Government household preparedness guidance has existed since May 2024; the new development is the launch of the Be Ready campaign and updated public messaging.
The Cabinet Office says the campaign brings UK messaging closer to advice used by countries including France, Ireland and the Netherlands. Further publicity through social media, radio and community organisations is planned.
Households can consult the official Be Ready checklist for advice tailored to their circumstances.