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Emergency Preparedness in Devon: Putting the Be Ready Advice into Practice
A short power cut, a burst water main, severe weather or a communications outage can disrupt ordinary routines. The UK Government’s Be Ready for Emergencies guidance recommends simple steps to help households manage for around three days while support reaches those who need it most. It is practical household planning, not a prediction that an emergency is imminent.
Watch: UK emergency preparedness advice explained
After speaking on BBC Radio Lunchtime Live, I explain what the Government’s Be Ready guidance means in practice and how households can prepare calmly for short-term disruption.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting’s recent comments have prompted questions about what households should actually do. The Government’s published Be Ready campaign focuses on practical steps for temporary disruption to everyday services such as power, water, phones and the internet, including severe weather. The advice is to build up gradually and plan for your household’s needs, not to panic or buy an expensive specialist kit. Read the Government’s campaign announcement.
After speaking on BBC Radio Lunchtime Live at around 12:08 on 23 October 2026, I wanted to explain what that advice can look like in real life for people in Devon and the South West. You can listen to the BBC programme and read my full guide to the Government advice and the interview.
What does the Government recommend?
The starting point is to check what you already have, make a simple household plan and gradually fill any gaps. The official checklist suggests enough essentials for three days, then reviewing supplies every six months. You do not need to buy everything at once: adding one or two useful items during normal shopping can spread the cost.
For drinking water, the recommendation is 3 litres per person per day for three days. That is for drinking; extra water may be needed for cooking, washing, pets, babies or medical needs. Think about your household’s circumstances and follow advice from your water supplier or emergency services during an actual outage.
For food, choose familiar items that last and can be eaten without refrigeration or cooking, such as suitable tinned food, dried fruit or snacks. Include a tin opener if needed, along with any food, formula or supplies relied on by babies and pets.
The other suggested basics are a torch with spare batteries, warm clothing or blankets, hygiene items, a first-aid kit, essential medicines, some cash, copies of important documents, and a charged power bank. A battery or wind-up FM radio is useful for updates if the internet or mobile network is unavailable. Write down the local radio frequencies you would use.
Make a plan for when phones or internet do not work
Agree a meeting point with the people you live with, and choose a second contact who lives elsewhere. Keep important telephone numbers on paper, including numbers for relatives, carers, your GP or other services you rely on. Talk through who will check on children, older relatives, neighbours or anyone who may need extra support.
The Government also encourages people to connect with neighbours and check whether anyone nearby may need help. If you rely on electricity for medical equipment or need additional support from a utility provider, check whether you can join its Priority Services Register. These small conversations are useful before a disruption, when networks and services are working normally.
Is a grab bag necessary?
The official guidance says you could keep essential items in a spare bag in case you are asked to leave home quickly. It is an option, not a replacement for household supplies or a requirement to assemble an expensive survival kit. Keep it proportionate to your needs: copies of key documents, medication, a phone charger or power bank, water, a snack and warm clothing are sensible examples.
If you have to evacuate, follow instructions from emergency services and local authorities. Do not delay leaving to collect non-essential equipment.
Where outdoor survival skills fit
Household preparation and outdoor survival skills support each other, but they serve different purposes. Learning to assess a situation, stay calm, navigate, make shelter and manage basic equipment can build confidence and practical judgement. The exact subjects covered vary by course, so check the course details before booking. These skills do not replace official instructions, medical care, emergency responders or specialist training for a particular threat.
South West Survival runs practical outdoor training in Devon. Explore the current courses and their contents. You can also download the 72-hour survival blueprint as a starting point for your own household plan.
A realistic first step
Take ten minutes to look around your home. Note what you already have, write down the numbers you would need if your phone contacts were unavailable, and agree where your household would meet. Then add any missing essentials gradually and set a reminder to review them in six months.
Preparedness is most useful when it is calm, affordable and matched to the people in your household. For the complete checklist, household emergency plan and advice on specific hazards, use the official Be Ready for Emergencies website.
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