UK launches three-year campaign urging households to prepare for emergencies

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 14:33 · Archive

The government has launched the Be Ready campaign, urging households to prepare for up to three days of disruption from severe weather.

The government has launched the Be Ready campaign to help households prepare for emergencies caused by severe weather, which can knock out power, water, phones and broadband. The three-year public resilience initiative began on 22 October with updated guidance published alongside a wider advertising campaign.

Households are advised to keep bottled water and non-perishable food at home. People can also sign up for the Priority Services Register, which helps utility suppliers identify customers who require extra support during emergencies. The recommendation to prepare for three days of disruption mirrors guidance already in place in France, Ireland and The Netherlands. Officials cited winter storms and summer wildfires as examples of how severe conditions disrupt essential networks.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: 'Those who can follow this advice should follow this advice. 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.' He added that the campaign would 'bring us into line with European counterparts, where advice like this is a normal part of everyday life'.

More than 500 organisations, including businesses and charities, have agreed to distribute campaign materials across communities. Advertising across radio and social media will target older people and households with young children. Campaign organisers worked with groups supporting food bank users and individuals facing housing insecurity to ensure recommendations remained practical.

How it is being reported

• UK households urged to prepare for three days of disruption in emergenciesHouseholds are being urged to prepare for up to three days of disruption during severe weather emergencies.Bournemouth Echo · 23 Oct, 15:10
• UK households urged to prepare for three days of disruption in emergenciesHouseholds are being urged to prepare for up to three days of disruption during severe weather emergencies.Dorset Echo · 23 Oct, 13:54
• UK households urged to prepare for three days of disruption in emergenciesHouseholds are being urged to prepare for up to three days of disruption during severe weather emergencies.Bournemouth Echo · 23 Oct, 13:54

In this story: UK · Dan Jarvis · France · Ireland · The Netherlands

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem