People across the UK are being encouraged to take a few simple steps to help themselves and their families cope if essential services are temporarily disrupted.

Be Ready campaign

This week, the Government has launched its new Be Ready campaign, encouraging households to be prepared for up to three days of disruption.

These could be caused by events such as severe weather, power cuts, flooding, wildfires or cyber incidents.

Practical actions

The advice focuses on straightforward, practical actions that can make a big difference.

These include:

• Checking  in with neighbours, particularly anyone who may be vulnerable.
  
  
• Keeping a few days’ supply of bottled water and non-perishable food at home.
  
  
• Having a torch and spare batteries available.
  
  
• Keeping a charged power bank for mobile phones.
  
  
• Having a battery-powered or wind-up radio for important updates.
  
  
• Keeping essential medicines and a basic first aid kit.
• Making sure important phone numbers are written down and easy to access.
  
  
• Checking whether you or a family member are eligible to join the Priority Services Register, which helps utility companies identify people who may need additional support during outages.
  
  You can sign up to the Priority Services Register here.

Reduce pressure on emergency services

The Government says being prepared for three days can help people manage while support is directed to those most in need and can reduce pressure on emergency services during major incidents.

Many of the suggested actions are free and can be done gradually over time.

The campaign also encourages people to check in with neighbours, particularly anyone who may be vulnerable.

Find out more:

You can find out more about the Be Ready campaign, download the emergency preparedness checklist and learn about the Priority Services Register by visiting the Government's Be Ready website.

Power cut advice

Use this link to find SP Energy Networks' power cut advice.