Be Ready

What is the Be Ready campaign?

Be Ready is a government campaign that encourages households to prepare for emergencies.

You should have enough essential supplies to last for at least 3 days. As a guide, that means 3 litres of bottled water per person per day for drinking, and non-perishable food with a long shelf-life that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking.

These supplies will help if there’s severe weather, a cyber attack, or another disruption to services.

In addition to the Be Ready website, below is our specific advice on fire and flooding incidents.

Prepare to stay at home

Cook safely during a power outage

If gas or electricity are disrupted you may not be able to cook as usual. So keep some food at home that doesn’t need cooking or heating.

Do not use gas camping stoves, BBQs or similar equipment indoors. They can cause fires and release carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.

If you use a barbecue or gas camping stove:

• only use it outside
• place it on a stable, level surface - but not decking
• place it well away from anything that may catch fire, such as sheds, fences or trees
• do not use it on a balcony

Heat your home safely

• Do not use a fireplace that has not been swept and checked.
• Do not create makeshift indoor fires.
• Never use candles as a heat source.

These can cause chimney fires, house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Store fuel safely

Fuel is highly flammable. Avoid storing large amounts of fuel at home.

Instead, you might want to top up the fuel in your vehicle a little earlier, so that you always have a nearly full tank.

You should also think about alternative ways to travel to essential locations if you can’t use your usual vehicle. For example, you could:

• use a bicycle
• share a journey with a neighbour
• use public transport where available

Light your home safely

Avoid using candles if possible. But if you do use them, take extra care:

• Always put them out before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Don’t put them near anything that may catch fire, such as curtains.

Prepare to go to a Rest Centre

Getting a grab bag ready

If an incident means you need to leave your home and stay at a Rest Centre for a while you’ll want to take some essential items with you. The Red Cross offer helpful advice on what to pack:

Protecting your home

Flooding

If flooding is expected you can take steps including:

• Using flood barriers to divert water away from your property.
• Move your belongings to a higher level.
• Prevent flood water coming in through your toilet.
• Turning off your gas, electricity and water supplies.

Find out more here: how to prepare for flooding at home, or your business.

Grass and wildfires

If a long period of hot, dry weather is predicted you can take steps to protect your home and garden, including:

• Cutting back trees and shrubs.
• Keeping your compost pile moist.
• Check the condition of your roof to see whether hot embers could enter.

Find out more on our Wildfires – protecting your home and garden page.