The UK Government has launched a new public information campaign encouraging households to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies and disruption to everyday services.
The Be Ready campaign, announced by the Cabinet Office on 22 October 2026, aims to help individuals and families prepare for events such as severe weather, power cuts, interruptions to water supplies and communications failures.
The guidance suggests that households should, where possible, be prepared to manage three days of disruption. It includes practical advice on keeping essential supplies, making household emergency plans, maintaining access to important information and supporting neighbours who may need assistance.
Much of this preparation need not be expensive. Some steps, such as recording emergency contact numbers, checking arrangements for vulnerable household members and signing up for relevant warnings, cost nothing.
The campaign is part of a wider Government effort to improve national resilience. Although the immediate focus is on everyday emergencies, the underlying principle is relevant to national defence and security: the resilience of the country depends in part on the preparedness of its people and communities.
BAFF believes this is a subject worth bringing to the attention of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, their families and the wider public. Military families may face particular demands and uncertainties, but sensible emergency preparedness is relevant to everyone.
We intend to develop our coverage of national and personal resilience, including the implications for the Armed Forces community.
Further information: