The Government's 72-hour plan, explained
What you're being asked to do, a checklist you can tick off as you go, and how to do it sensibly without panic buying.
The quick answer
The UK Government asks every household to be able to cope for 3 days without power, water, phone signal or internet. In practice that means keeping water (3 litres per person per day), food that needs no cooking, a torch, a radio, charged power banks, first aid, medication and some cash. Most homes already have half of it.
What the Government is actually asking
The Be Ready campaign, launched by the Cabinet Office in October 2026 and running for three years, asks households to be able to manage for 72 hours on their own during an emergency. The reasons given are recurring extreme weather, such as last winter's storms, and the risk of cyber attacks disrupting essential services.
It is not a warning about a specific threat. The idea is that if most households can look after themselves for a few days, emergency services can focus on the people who need help most. Only 13% of people say they currently feel prepared.
Read the source: gov.uk/prepare ·British Red Cross explainer ·Ready Aberdeenshire
Your 72-hour kit checklist
Tick off what you already have. Your progress is saved on this device only, and nothing is sent to us. Items markedGov list are the 8 things named in the official guidance; the rest are sensible extras we'd add for a family.
Water & food
Light & power
Health
Money & documents
Warmth & comfort
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Frequently asked questions
What is the UK 72-hour emergency plan?
In October 2026 the UK Government launched its Be Ready campaign, asking households to be able to manage for 72 hours (3 days) without everyday services like power, water, phones or the internet. The official guidance is at gov.uk/prepare.
Is the Government warning of a specific emergency?
No. Officials have said this is not a warning about a particular threat. Storms, floods, power cuts and cyber attacks happen, and being ready means emergency services can focus on the people who need help most. The message is 'alert, not alarmed'.
How much water do I need for 72 hours?
The guidance is 3 litres per person per day, so 9 litres each for three days. Add extra for pets, cooking and washing.
Do I need to buy a lot of new things?
Usually not. Most homes already have tins, torches, blankets and a first aid kit. Start with what you have, then fill the gaps. The most common gaps are a battery or wind-up radio, charged power banks, stored water and some cash.
Who do I call in a power cut?
Call 105 in England, Scotland and Wales to report a power cut or get updates. In an emergency, always call 999.