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Why prepare? What the UK government says you should be ready for

Power cuts, floods and storms are ordinary events, and a little preparation makes them much easier to cope with. The government asks every household to be ready to cope on its own for 3 days, so help can reach the people who need it most.

Checked against GOV.UK on

The situations it names

What each looks like, and one first step.

The government's 3-day checklist

What the Be Ready campaign suggests keeping at home. Our free calculators do the sums for the first two.

Start with water

Work out how much your household needs for 3 days.

  • Bottled water for 3 days The government suggests 3 litres per person per day for drinking, plus more for cooking and washing. Work out how much How to treat doubtful water
  • Non-perishable food for 3 days Food that needs no fridge or cooking, and that you normally eat. Make a shopping list Is fridge food safe in a power cut?
  • Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and bathroom products
  • A torch and spare batteries Torches are safer than candles.
  • Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing
  • A battery or wind-up FM radio With your local news station frequencies written down.
  • A charged power bank
  • Cash in notes and coins, and your cards
  • Printed copies of IDs and important documents Which documents
  • A written list of key contacts and regular medicines Build your plan
  • A first aid kit
  • Essential medication Request repeat prescriptions up to 5 working days before you run out. See when to order
  • Ready-to-feed baby formula, nappies and wipes, if needed
  • Pet food and bottled water, if needed

Sign up and find out

  • Priority Services Register

    Free extra support from your energy and water companies during supply interruptions, if you are eligible. In Northern Ireland, ask about Customer Care Registers.

  • Power cut: 105

    Write the number on paper. It works in England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland uses 03457 643643. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.

  • Local alerts and warnings

    Sign up for the alerts and warnings that cover where you live, and learn about local hazards.

  • Your flood risk

    Check the long-term flood risk for your address, using the service for your nation.

Check the risks for your postcode

Other steps the government recommends
  • Add to your supplies gradually during your normal shopping.
  • Check expiry dates every six months.
  • Agree escape routes and a meeting point as a household.
  • Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water.
  • Check your home insurance covers what you need.
  • Swap numbers with neighbours and plan to check on anyone who may need help.

Flood risk checks for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Getting your car ready for winter

For journeys in wintry weather, the government suggests carrying:

  • A torch
  • An in-car phone charger
  • Warm clothes and blankets
  • High-visibility clothing
  • Jump leads
  • Food and drink
  • A snow shovel
  • A first aid kit

Sources

  • Be ready for emergencies (UK Government, Be Ready campaign). The household advice, checklist and situations on this page.
  • National Risk Register 2025 (Cabinet Office, published 16 January 2025). The public version of the government's National Security Risk Assessment: its view of the most serious risks facing the UK and how likely and serious each could be.

This page summarises government advice in our own words. In an emergency, follow instructions from the emergency services and official sources.