The government has urged Brits to keep physical cash in the form of coins and notes as part of a new campaign to help households prepare for national emergencies. The advice comes amid warnings that electronic payments or ATMs could be disrupted.
Government's 'Be Ready' campaign
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned the nation must "be ready" for potential disruptions. The three-year campaign, launched last night, aims to "help households across the UK feel better prepared".
Speaking at the opening of the UK Gun Hall Plant in Telford, Shropshire, Streeting said businesses and individuals should be prepared "for the eventuality that there may be disruption to essential supply chains caused by hostile state actors or terrorists".
What households should stockpile
Alongside cash, the government recommends stockpiling sanitiser, blankets, and clockwork radios. It also advises keeping printed copies of important documents such as passports, birth certificates, insurance policy details, and instructions for medical equipment.
The guidance also suggests writing down contact details of who you'd need to contact in an emergency, including anyone who might need checking on, and a list of any regular medication and doses.
How to get started
The government's official Be Ready Campaign page says: "Being ready for 3 days helps you manage while support reaches those most in need. Doing this is easier than you might think. You could have some of the items at home already. You don't need to do it all at once. Build up your readiness gradually over time by taking it step by step, and picking up an extra item or two when you can."
Households are advised to check cupboards first to see what essentials are already in supply, plan for their household by noting what is missing, and remember items essential to their home such as medical supplies or baby formula. The amount of cash to keep depends on your family's specific essential needs, the government says.
