On 22 October 2026, the UK government launched a new campaign advising that all households prepare for emergencies.
The ‘Be Ready’ campaign warns of emergencies from “severe weather to cyber attacks,” and suggests that we should have a stockpile of up to three days worth of supplies.
The official checklist says we should build this supply up gradually and regularly and donate to people in need of supplies where possible.
The checklist is made up of basic supplies, such as three days worth of water and non-perishable foods.
It also adds communication devices and power banks, personal documents, first-aid kits, cash and cards, torches along with spare batteries, and includes baby food and pet food.
Security Minister, Dan Jarvis MP, has said:
“Those who can follow this advice should follow this advice. By taking simple steps to be ready for everyday emergencies like severe storms, people can reduce pressure on emergency services, helping them prioritise people who need more support in an emergency.”
The Scottish government has also published their own advice, instructing people how to build their own emergency kits.
While the announcement might raise concerns for some people, it is standard across many countries. Since 2025, the EU has advised citizens to keep an emergency kit with at least three days worth of supplies and the US has published guidance to be prepared with up to seven days of supplies.
Students at the University of Edinburgh reacted to the announcements.
One student commented that the announcements could signal that “security attacks, especially cyber attacks, are becoming an even bigger threat than before to the UK and the government is alerting us to this.”
Another told The Student that they disagreed that the announcements are anything to worry about: “it seems to just be a normal procedure in other countries, and I think that Andy Burnham is trying to be a proactive prime minister and thinking ahead of any potential emergencies.”
Illustration by Jianglin Jiang @jlin.design.jpg for The Student
