The UK government's "Be Ready" campaign is urging Brits to stockpile enough water, food, and essential supplies to last three days in case of a national emergency, such as a natural disaster or conflict.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said today that unexpected events "seem to becoming more common." The campaign asks households to prepare essential services at home so they can manage until assistance arrives.
What the 'Be Ready' checklist includes
The checklist advises having three litres of bottled water per person per day for drinking, with more needed for cooking and washing. It also recommends non-perishable food with a long shelf life that does not need refrigeration or cooking.
Other essentials include hand sanitiser, wet wipes, hygiene and bathroom products, torches with spare batteries, blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing. An FM radio (battery or wind-up) and a charged power bank are also suggested, along with a mix of coins, cash notes, cards, copies of IDs and documents, and important phone numbers.
A first aid kit, essential medication, and medical supplies are on the list, as well as baby formula (ideally "ready-to-feed"), nappies, wipes, pet food, and bottled water for animals.
Building supplies gradually
The checklist advises people to build up their readiness "gradually over time" by taking it "step by step" and picking up an extra item or two when they can. It says being ready for three days helps you manage while support reaches those most in need.
The campaign comes as some Brits consider whether they can afford to maintain a stockpile that would last three days without power during an emergency.
