‘Realistic and reassuring’: UK public ‘responding calmly’ to Be Ready campaign

The UK government's new Be Ready campaign is advising the public to prepare for emergencies by stocking up on essential supplies. This initiative comes in light of potential severe weather or cyber-attacks, aiming to ensure that help can be directed to the most vulnerable first.

Campaign Overview

The Be Ready campaign suggests that individuals gather three days' worth of supplies, including:

Bottled water
Non-perishable food
A torch with spare batteries
A wind-up FM radio
A first aid kit
A copy of their passport

To prevent panic buying, the campaign encourages people to check their cupboards first and gradually build up their supplies during regular shopping trips.

Public Response

Despite concerns about panic, there is no evidence that the campaign has triggered mass hysteria. Jack Brown, co-owner of Sgt Prepper Shop, reported receiving a month’s worth of orders within the first 24 hours of the campaign's launch. He remarked, "I thought my phone was glitching or being hacked with the number of orders coming in."

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Campaign Overview

The Be Ready campaign suggests that individuals gather three days' worth of supplies, including:

Bottled water
Non-perishable food
A torch with spare batteries
A wind-up FM radio
A first aid kit
A copy of their passport

To prevent panic buying, the campaign encourages people to check their cupboards first and gradually build up their supplies during regular shopping trips.