UK households urged to prepare for three days of disruption

The UK government has published updated advice urging households to prepare for three days of disruption, including keeping drinking water and non-perishable food at home. The guidance is the first stage of a three-year “Be Ready” campaign, launched by the Cabinet Office and Security Minister Dan Jarvis on 22 October.

The checklist recommends three litres of drinking water per person per day, alongside food that does not need refrigeration or cooking. It also suggests supplies such as a torch, radio, power bank and essential medicines. Households are encouraged to build up what they need gradually, using items they already have and adding others when they can.

The government says not everyone will be able to follow every recommendation and advises people to take the steps that work for their household. It also encourages eligible customers to join the Priority Services Register, which allows electricity, gas and water providers to identify people who may need extra support during an interruption.

The campaign updates the previous Prepare website’s branding and messaging, but the government says much of its household advice has not changed. Its wider guidance also covers emergency plans, local risks and arrangements to check on neighbours during an outage.

The campaign is intended to help households manage while support reaches people most in need. The government says more than 500 organisations have signed up to share its messages, with social media and radio advertising planned in the coming weeks and months.