Are you emergency ready? Simple steps to prepare your household

The government has launched Be Ready, a new national campaign encouraging households to prepare for up to three days of disruption caused by everyday emergencies, such as severe storms.

For residents in Richmond upon Thames, taking a few simple steps now can make life easier if an emergency affects the services we rely on, including water, power, phones and the internet. Think about how you would contact loved ones, keep warm or manage without your usual access to information.

Start small and build up gradually

Getting ready does not mean buying everything at once. The government’s guidance includes simple, free actions that take just a few minutes, alongside suggestions for essentials you can build up over time.

Check what you already have at home and choose the steps that work for your household.

Simple steps you can take today include:

• Write down important phone numbers so you can find them if your phone runs out of battery
• Keep a torch and spare batteries somewhere easy to reach, as well as a charged power bank if you have one
• Keep some bottled water and food that lasts without refrigeration and does not need cooking. Add an extra item during your usual shop when you can 
• Think about everyday essentials, including medicines, baby supplies and pet food, as well as blankets and warm clothing
• Talk to family, friends or neighbours about how you could stay in touch and support each other during an outage or emergency

Check whether you could get extra support 

If you or someone you know might need extra help during a gas, electricity or water outage, check whether you're eligible to join the provider’s Priority Services Register. This free service helps utility companies know who may need additional assistance.

Not everyone will be able to follow every recommendation but even taking a few steps can help. Emergency services, charities, community organisations and other vital services will still be there to respond. Preparing where you can helps frontline responders prioritise those who need support most when an emergency does happen.

Explore the government’s checklist, find practical advice and check your eligibility for extra help through GOV.UK/BeReady.