what the Be Ready campaign asks you to keep
Be Ready asks every household to keep 3 days of supplies at home. That means water, food that needs no cooking, light, a radio, cash and medicines.
The Cabinet Office launched it on 22 October 2026. It does not say anything is about to happen.
It names power cuts, loss of water, flooding and severe weather. Help goes first to those who need it most, so being ready lets you manage meanwhile.
the checklist, line by line
Water
3 litres per person per day for drinking, for 3 days. That is 9 litres each, with more for cooking and washing.
Food
Food that keeps and needs no fridge or cooking: tinned meat, fish or vegetables, dried fruit and nuts. Buy what you already eat.
Hygiene
Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and the bathroom products your household uses.
Light and warmth
A torch with spare batteries, which is safer than candles. Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothes.
An FM radio and a power bank
A battery or wind-up FM radio, and a charged power bank. Write down the frequencies of the stations you listen to.
Cash, cards and documents
A mix of coins and notes, in case card payments or cash machines stop. Copies of your ID, and key numbers on paper.
Medicines and first aid
A first aid kit and your essential medicines. Order repeat prescriptions up to 5 working days before you need them.
Babies and pets
Ready-to-feed formula, as you may not be able to boil water safely. Nappies, wipes, pet food and water.
Build it up over time
You do not need to buy it all at once. Add an item or two to your usual shop, and check dates every 6 months.
what to have ready
Check what you already have first, then buy only what is missing.
Bottled water
9 litres per person covers the 3 days.
Choose one on Amazon: Bottled water (opens in a new tab)Wind-up FM radio
Check it says FM. Wind-up or battery means it works in a power cut.
Choose one on Amazon: Wind-up FM radio (opens in a new tab)Head torch
Keeps both hands free. Pick one that takes AA batteries.
Choose one on Amazon: Head torch (opens in a new tab)Power bank
10,000 mAh charges most phones about twice. Keep it topped up.
Choose one on Amazon: Power bank (opens in a new tab)First aid kit
Plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic and gloves, as the checklist lists.
Choose one on Amazon: First aid kit (opens in a new tab)
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where this comes from
- Be Ready, UK Government (Cabinet Office)
- Be ready for emergencies, UK Government (Cabinet Office)
- Be Ready checklist (PDF), UK Government (Cabinet Office)
Sources checked 22 October 2026.