UK government launches 'Be Ready' campaign urging three days of supplies

On 22 October 2026 the UK government launched "Be Ready", a public information campaign asking households to keep at least three days of essential supplies at home. It was run by the Cabinet Office, the department that coordinates government emergency planning, and was presented as the first stage of a longer programme.

Officials said the aim was to help people cope if severe weather, cyberattacks or supply problems disrupted power, water, phone or internet services. The guidance suggested about three litres of drinking water per person per day, and food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, such as tinned fish, tinned meat and dried fruit. A checklist also listed items including a radio, torches, a charged power bank, medicines and some cash.

The government stressed that there was no immediate emergency and urged people not to panic-buy. The idea was that households able to look after themselves would let emergency services concentrate on those in greatest need. The launch drew wide media attention and prompted debate about how prepared British homes were, and about reports of shoppers buying up some items.