Brits given new three-day rule by Government as they’re warned – ‘be ready’

Brits have been issued a new three-day rule by the Government, urging them to “be ready”. The Government has issued a checklist to prepare people for emergencies and the disruption that might be caused. It comes after Defence Secretary Wes Streeting issued a warning this week, explaining that businesses and individuals should be prepared “for the eventuality that there may be disruption to essential supply chains caused by hostile state actors or terrorists.”

Households are being told to stockpile enough tinned food, bottled water and first aid kits, as well as hand sanitiser, blankets and clockwork radios for three days. All of these items will help in the case of an emergency, according to a new campaign.

The Government states: “Being ready for 3 days helps you manage while support reaches those most in need. Doing this is easier than you might think. You could have some of the items at home already.

“You don’t need to do it all at once. Build up your readiness gradually over time by taking it step by step, and picking up an extra item or two when you can.”

Brits are advised to see what they already have at home, plan for their household, which includes remembering what items your family relies on, building up stocks gradually, checking them regularly, and staying touch with neighbours about what support you might be able to offer them.

The Government has launched a three-year campaign “to help households across the UK feel better prepared”. The measures are officially designed to ensure people can cope with extreme weather, but Mr Streeting also highlighted the threat from global enemies.

He said: “How would we cope if the payment systems of the supermarkets went down? Those are the sorts of everyday challenges and threats we could well face, and it is right we ask the country to be ready for those things and ask everybody to do their bit.”

The Government recommends having enough of these items for three days:

• Water: 3 litres per person per day for drinking. More would be needed for other tasks such as cooking and washing.
• Food (non-perishable for 3 days): Food with a long shelf life that doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking e.g. tinned meat, fish or vegetables, dried fruit and nuts. It’s best to buy food you’d usually eat.
• Hygiene: Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, and bathroom products.
• Light and warmth: Torch and spare batteries. Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing.
• Communication and information: FM radio, charged power bank.
• Money and documents: Cash, copies of IDs/ documents, important phone numbers.
• Medical and health: First aid kit, essential medication and medical supplies.
• Baby products: Baby formula. Nappies and wipes.
• Pet products: Pet food and bottled water.

The Government added: “If you have any extra items, you could consider donating these to others who might not have the means to prepare their own households. You may be able to help someone by photocopying or printing important documents for them.”