Government to launch new campaign encouraging households to prepare for emergencies

The UK Government is planning a new public awareness campaign to encourage households to prepare for emergencies such as flooding, severe weather and power cuts.

The Cabinet Office announced the plans on 2 October 2026, with the campaign expected to launch later in the autumn.

It will offer advice on managing disruption to everyday services and forms part of wider government efforts to improve the UK’s resilience to emergencies.

The announcement comes as ministers prepare for the winter months, with £1.4 billion being invested in flood defences during 2026/27. Funding has also been allocated to maintaining and improving road and rail infrastructure.

What can households do to prepare?

The Government already provides advice through its Prepare website, which recommends taking a few basic precautions before an emergency occurs.

These include identifying potential risks in your area, agreeing a household emergency plan and keeping essential supplies available.

A basic emergency kit might contain a torch, spare batteries, drinking water, non-perishable food and any medication needed by members of the household.

It’s also worth keeping important telephone numbers somewhere accessible in case mobile phones or internet services are unavailable.

The advice is aimed at helping people manage temporary disruption, rather than encouraging them to build up large stockpiles.

Further details of the new campaign, including how it will be delivered, have yet to be confirmed.