UK households advised to keep three days of emergency supplies

The UK government published guidance on 22 October advising households to keep enough food, water and other essentials to manage for three days during an emergency, The National reported. The advice aims to help people cope with disruptions to everyday services.

The checklist calls for bottled water and food that will keep, including tinned items. The BBC reported that it specifies nine litres of water per person for the three-day period. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said keeping a sensible amount of supplies at home could help people get through a difficult situation as unexpected events become more common.

What the three-day emergency checklist recommends

The guidance was posted on a government website alongside a written ministerial statement to Parliament by Security Minister Dan Jarvis, The National reported. Jarvis pointed to storms and wildfires as examples of severe weather that can disrupt phones, power, water and internet access. He said households and communities could play a part in keeping themselves safe during emergencies.

Why ministers are urging households to prepare

Burnham described the campaign as general, longer-term advice rather than an urgent call to buy supplies, according to The Guardian. ‘It’s not about panic buying,’ he said. He told BBC Radio 5 Live that preparation meant having a sensible amount at home, The Guardian reported. Burnham said his own supplies include beans, soup and Twiglets.

The BBC reported that the government drew up the recommendations for crises such as natural disasters, online attacks or war. The three-day period gives households a measure for checking what they have, including supplies for babies or pets where needed. Treasury minister James Murray told BBC Breakfast that he had not yet followed the government's advice on keeping emergency supplies, the BBC reported.