The Government has launched the Be Ready campaign to encourage UK households to prepare for possible emergencies, including following an emergency checklist, gathering three days' worth of essentials and heeding official advice. The initiative, launched last week, is the first stage of a three-year campaign aimed at helping households feel better prepared for events such as severe weather, which can disrupt services including power, water, phones and the internet.
Advice from the Security Minister
Security Minister and MP Dan Jarvis said: "Those who can follow this advice should follow this advice. By taking simple steps to be ready for everyday emergencies like severe storms, people can reduce pressure on emergency services, helping them prioritise people who need more support in an emergency."
He added: "This is just the sort of community-focused campaign the UK needs to improve our resilience as a nation. It will bring us into line with European counterparts, where advice like this is a normal part of everyday life."
Prime Minister's comments on stockpiling
Prime Minister Andy Burnham, speaking after the campaign launch, said people need to be better prepared for emergencies and defended Government advice to stockpile food, water and other essentials. He noted that "unexpected events seem to be becoming more and more common" and suggested that, alongside emergency supplies, people should be allowed "a glass or two" of wine to get through a difficult situation.
Mr Burnham said: "I'm not sure that that's the top of the list in terms of the advice that we're giving to the public. You need to have a clear head when it comes to a challenging situation. So some tins of food, some bottled water, I think maybe. But I'm sure people are allowed a glass or two as well to get them through a difficult situation." This follows Housing Secretary Angela Rayner's previous joke that her emergency kit would include a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
Five checks for households
The campaign was launched just before Storm Austen and Storm Boelo brought destructive weather to the UK, causing widespread power cuts. People are encouraged to have three days' worth of supplies, including food, water, batteries, torches, and baby or pet food. The Government has also published an emergency checklist advising on preparedness steps.
In addition, the Government has listed five checks that people should regularly make, depending on where they live, work or are travelling to:
- Check your flood risk for areas in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
- Check the weather forecast for your area, or download the Met Office Weather Forecast app
- Find out the pollution forecast in your area
- Check the country-specific travel advice for your destination if planning a trip overseas
- For those in England, check your Local Resilience Forum, which publishes information online about risks in your local area
