The British government is urging all households to prepare emergency survival kits with enough supplies to last three days, as part of the new "Be Ready" campaign aimed at strengthening national resilience against potential crises.
The initiative asks Brits to stock up on essentials such as bottled water, non-perishable food, warm clothing and cash, in preparation for events including flooding, wildfires and potential conflict. The push comes amid growing concerns over climate change and global tensions.
Defence Secretary Warns of State-Sponsored Threats
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Britain needed to prepare for the threat of "state-sponsored terrorism" by Russia and other hostile nations that could target infrastructure around the country.
He previously said: "terms like 'hybrid warfare' and 'grey zone threats' do not accurately capture or convey to the general public what I prefer to describe as 'state-sponsored terrorism'."
Streeting added: "It's really important that we ask households and businesses, are they prepared? Are they ready? Do they know how they would respond in the event of everyday challenges that might manifest themselves?"
Essential Items for Every Home
The campaign advises keeping a three-day supply of bottled water, with three litres per person per day for drinking. Officials noted more water would be needed for cooking and washing. Most bottled water can last indefinitely if unopened and stored correctly, though manufacturers recommend drinking it within two years for peak quality. Once opened, water should be consumed within a day if kept at room temperature.
Households are also urged to stock a three-day supply of non-perishable food, including tinned meat, fish or vegetables, and dried fruit and nuts. Unlike dried food such as pasta, tinned options do not require boiling water or heat, and can last between one to five years. Pet owners are advised to keep food and bottled water for their animals.
Hygiene, Warmth and Communication
Keeping clean is vital during a crisis. Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, hygiene products, bars of soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste are recommended, along with protective gloves for handling waste. Torches, spare batteries, sleeping bags and warm clothes are essential for power outages, as temperatures inside can drop significantly in colder months.
For communication, the campaign encourages having an FM radio with batteries or wind-up options to stay informed and prevent misinformation. A charged power bank is also advised for emergency electricity.
Brits should keep a mix of cash, coins and bank cards, as blackouts, cyberattacks and severe weather can knock out card readers and online banking. Important phone numbers, IDs and documents should also be on hand.
Medical Supplies and Further Steps
First aid kits and items are among the most important to have, as tending to minor injuries could prevent infection. Those with pre-existing conditions should have easy access to medication, and families with babies should stock ready-to-feed formula, nappies and wipes.
The "Be Ready" campaign also suggests checking cupboards for existing essentials, planning for household needs such as medical supplies or pet food, reviewing kits every six months, and connecting with neighbours to share support during an outage.
