The UK Government has launched a new national public preparedness campaign encouraging households to take practical steps to prepare for emergencies and reduce pressure on emergency services.

The three-year campaign, known as Be Ready, aims to improve public understanding of how to respond to everyday emergencies and periods of disruption, including severe weather and interruptions to essential services.

The campaign follows research indicating that only 13% of people in the UK feel prepared for an emergency that could cut them off from the services they rely on. A further 84% said they wanted the Government to provide more information about how they could improve their preparedness.

Developed in collaboration with the Scottish Government, Welsh Government, Northern Ireland Executive, local authorities and more than 500 organisations, the initiative seeks to provide straightforward, accessible advice that households can act on.

Three days of household preparedness

The updated guidance encourages people to consider how they would manage for three days during an emergency.

Key recommendations include keeping bottled water and non-perishable food at home, preparing a checklist of essential items and ensuring that people who qualify are registered with utility companies' Priority Services Registers.

The Government has emphasised that preparedness does not need to be expensive, and that people can build up their supplies gradually according to their circumstances.

Reducing pressure on emergency services

The campaign reflects a wider approach to national resilience in which households and communities are encouraged to take practical steps to support their own safety during periods of disruption.

By helping people manage routine needs during an emergency, the initiative aims to reduce avoidable demands on emergency responders and allow resources to be directed towards those who need immediate assistance.

The Government has also highlighted the contribution of charities, community organisations and local services in supporting people during emergencies.

A partner toolkit is planned to help community groups and businesses share preparedness messages locally.