The UK government has issued new guidance urging households to keep a stock of nine essential items in case of emergencies such as potential power cuts, severe weather, and service disruptions.
The guidance forms the backbone of the newly launched "Be Ready" public awareness campaign, spearheaded by Security Minister Dan Jarvis and the Cabinet Office. The initiative brings the UK into alignment with European neighbours like France, Ireland, and the Netherlands, encouraging families to be equipped to look after themselves for up to three days if everyday services are temporarily knocked out.
Simple steps to boost resilience
The campaign highlights simple, often cost-free steps members of the public can take to prepare for emergencies like severe storms or infrastructure failures. Among these are signing up for the Priority Services Register - a free scheme helping utility companies identify vulnerable customers who need extra support during outages - and keeping basic supplies close to hand.
Speaking about the rollout, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the campaign is designed to reduce pressure on emergency services during crises.
"Those who can follow this advice should follow this advice," Mr Jarvis said. "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."
The nine essential items checklist
The updated framework outlines a checklist of nine key items every household should consider keeping in storage:
- Battery or wind-up torch – A safe alternative to candles during sudden blackouts.
- Portable power bank – To keep mobile phones and essential communication devices charged.
- Battery or wind-up radio – Ensuring access to emergency broadcasts if internet or television networks fail.
- Spare batteries – To support torches, radios, and backup power needs.
- First aid kit – Stocked with basic medical supplies to treat minor injuries.
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes – Essential for maintaining basic hygiene when running water may be disrupted.
- Bottled water – Allocated for drinking and hydration, with extra allowances for medical needs, pets, or formula.
- Non-perishable food – Ready-to-eat items like tinned meat, fish, vegetables, beans, and cereals that require no cooking or refrigeration, accompanied by a manual tin opener.
- Baby supplies – Including nappies and ready-to-feed formula for households with infants.
Campaign rollout and support
Mr Jarvis continued: "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."
The 'Be Ready' campaign is set to build gradually over time, with more than 500 organisations - ranging from charities to major businesses - already signed up to share messaging across their networks. Over the coming weeks, advertising campaigns on radio and social media will specifically target groups that may be more vulnerable during unexpected disruptions, such as older people and families with young children.
Laura Scott, British Red Cross Director for UK Resilience, welcomed the guidance, noting: "We can't control when emergencies happen, but we can all take some simple steps to be prepared, so that when they do, we are ready to help our friends, families and neighbours. Having clear and trusted advice for people, especially those who may be more at-risk, could help reduce the impact of crises and even save lives."
