The government launched an emergency preparedness website on 10 July 2024, encouraging people to think about what they would do if they and those around them were exposed to risks ranging from floods to fires to power cuts1. The site, at prepare.campaign.gov.uk, sets out what NHS Cheshire and Merseyside described as simple and effective steps people can take to be more prepared1.
The site is designed for residents in England, and the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also provide advice for their residents1. The launch material lists five steps: checking eligibility for a gas, electricity or water supplier's Priority Service Register, so companies know additional support is needed; setting a monthly reminder to check a smoke alarm; writing important phone numbers on paper, including the number to report a power cut (105); talking to children about how and when to call 999 and what to do in an emergency such as a fire at home; and checking long term flood risk and signing up for flood and weather warnings1.
"In a newly launched website, the government is encouraging people to think about what they would do if they and those around them were exposed to risks ranging from floods to fires to power cuts."
The same page states that taking action in advance will make it easier to manage an emergency if it does happen1. No further detail on the site's contents, the cost of the campaign or how its reach will be measured has been reported in the material available.
Why it matters for households
The guidance is aimed at households in England, with separate advice published by the devolved governments for residents of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland1. The steps named cover the main service failures households face: power cuts, fires at home and flooding. The Priority Service Registers are the route by which households needing additional support, for example because of a health condition, age or a dependency on powered medical equipment, can be flagged to their suppliers1. The page also points households to the 105 power cut number and to flood and weather warning sign-up services1.
What happens next
No dates for further stages of the campaign have been reported. The site remains live at prepare.campaign.gov.uk1. Households can read more on how the UK prepares for emergencies and on the national resilience campaign, and can find local risks through Community Risk Registers.
Sources (1)
- How would you prepare for an emergency? - NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk
UK Emergency Preparedness Guide
Be Ready Campaign
