the government's advice to be ready for 3 days
The UK government asks every household to be able to cope on its own for at least 3 days. It does not say anything is about to happen.
In an emergency, help goes first to the people who need it most. Being ready means you can manage while that happens.
what it asks you to have
Water
3 litres per person per day, for at least 3 days. That is 9 litres each.
Food that keeps
Tins and packets you already eat, including some that need no cooking. And a tin opener.
Light and power
A torch, spare batteries and a charged power bank.
A way to hear the news
A battery or wind-up radio, for when the mobile network is down.
Medicines and first aid
A few days of any regular medicines, and a basic first aid kit.
Some cash
In small notes, in case cards and cash machines stop.
A plan
Who you would call, where you would meet, and the numbers written on paper.
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)Head torch
Keeps both hands free. Pick one that takes AA batteries.
Choose one on Amazon: Head torch (opens in a new tab)Wind-up or battery radio
Local radio keeps working when mobile data drops.
Choose one on Amazon: Wind-up or battery radio (opens in a new tab)First aid kit
A basic home kit, and learn what is in it.
Choose one on Amazon: First aid kit (opens in a new tab)
Some links here earn us a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
where this comes from
- Prepare: get prepared for emergencies, UK Government (Cabinet Office)
- Preparing for emergencies (reference collection), UK Government
- National Risk Register 2025, UK Government (Cabinet Office)
Sources checked 24 September 2026.