15 things you might forget as Government issues new stockpile warning

15 things you might forget as Government issues new stockpile warning The Government recommends reviewing supplies every six months. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments By Laura Zilincanova 18:27, Thu, Oct 22, 2026 Updated: 18:31, Thu, Oct 22, 2026 Woman filling emergency backpack with disaster emergency supplies (Image: Getty) British households are urged to prepare for emergencies as the Government launched a new campaign to help the public cope with major disruption. The Be Ready initiative marks the start of a three-year drive to strengthen the UK's resilience against threats including cyber attacks, flooding, wildfires and potential food shortages. The Government is advising households to keep enough essential supplies to manage for three days, allowing emergency services and other support to reach those most in need. A new website has been launched with a downloadable emergency kit checklist, encouraging people to check what they already have at home and gradually build up any missing supplies. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has previously called for a "whole society approach" to strengthening national resilience, insisting people should remain "alert not alarmed" about potential risks. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Speaking to The Sun, he said: "It's just a simple ask of people. Do they have what they need indoors, should they lose access to their online banking for a period? Should they have a power cut?" The advice stresses that people do not need to purchase everything at once. Instead, they can check their cupboards, identify gaps and pick up additional items during their usual shopping trips. Get the day's biggest headlines in UK and World news and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . The Government also recommends reviewing supplies every six months and speaking to neighbours about how they could support one another during an emergency. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The aim is to help households remain self-sufficient for a short period if everyday services are disrupted, rather than encourage panic-buying or extensive stockpiling. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The full official checklist is available at the Government's Be Ready website . However, we have also listed an additional 15 essential items that you may forget should an emergency strike. I visited bohemian market town with one of Britain's best high streets Horror as 'American Covid' rapidly spreads in UK - 12 grim symptoms to look out for Emergency list by the Government (Image: GOV.UK) Items on the Be Ready campaign checklist Bottled water for three days (at least three litres per person per day for drinking) Non-perishable food for three days, including tinned meat, fish and vegetables, dried fruit and nuts Torch Spare batteries Blankets Sleeping bags Warm clothing Battery-powered or wind-up FM radio Charged power bank Cash, including a mixture of coins and notes Bank cards Copies of identification and important documents Written emergency contact numbers Information about regular medication and dosages First aid kit or basic first aid supplies Essential medication Other necessary medical supplies Ready-to-feed baby formula Nappies Baby wipes Pet food Bottled water for pets Hand sanitiser Wet wipes Hygiene and bathroom products Additional items The following items are listed by organisations such as the British Red Cross, as well as the governments of Canada and the United States. Manual tin opener Toilet paper and additional sanitation supplies Heavy-duty rubbish bags Water purification tablets Spare house and car keys Paper map of your local area Pen, paper and a written emergency plan Spare glasses or contact lenses Duct tape Whistle Work gloves and basic hand tools A change of clothes and sturdy footwear Face masks or suitable respirators for specific hazards Extra water for cooking, washing and cleaning A grab-and-go emergency bag Emergency News Wes Streeting Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add us as preferred source Comments