The UK Government has launched a new Be Ready campaign encouraging households across Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK to keep three days’ worth of essential supplies at home, including food, drinking water and emergency equipment.
The updated advice, published on Thursday 22 October, is designed to help people cope if everyday services such as electricity, water, phone networks or internet connections are disrupted.
The campaign follows previous government preparedness guidance issued in 2024, but now includes a dedicated website, a downloadable household checklist and a three-year public awareness campaign.
Officials say the aim is to encourage people to take small, practical steps rather than wait until an emergency happens
Why is the government issuing this advice?
The Be Ready campaign covers a range of potential emergencies, including severe storms, flooding, wildfires and cyberattacks that could disrupt essential services.
For households in Enniskillen and across County Fermanagh, severe weather and power outages are particularly relevant examples.
Strong winds, flooding and prolonged electricity cuts can leave homes without heating, lighting, internet access or the ability to prepare food normally.
The government says households that can manage for three days without their usual services may help reduce pressure on emergency responders, allowing them to prioritise people who need immediate assistance.
The campaign is not an announcement that a particular emergency is about to happen. Instead, it is intended to improve general preparedness across the country.
What should households keep at home?
The government has published a checklist of supplies people should consider having available in case of an emergency.
Be Ready: Emergency Checklist
Tick off the essentials you already have at home. Aim to prepare for at least three days of disruption.
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Check what you already have and add missing items gradually.
View official government guidance ↗The government’s guidance recommends three litres of drinking water per person per day, meaning one person would need nine litres for three days. Additional water may be required for cooking and washing.
Households are also encouraged to consider the needs of children, older relatives, people taking regular medication and pets.
You don’t need to buy everything at once
One of the key messages of the campaign is that emergency preparation does not need to be expensive or completed immediately.
The government suggests checking what is already available in cupboards before buying anything additional.
Missing items can then be added gradually during normal shopping trips.
Households are also encouraged to check their supplies every six months, replacing expired food and reviewing any changes in their family’s needs.
This is particularly important at a time when many households are already struggling with the cost of living.
What if the electricity goes off in Fermanagh?
The new advice also encourages households to prepare for situations where power, heating or communications may be unavailable.
For people living in rural parts of Fermanagh, having a torch, warm clothing, a charged power bank and a battery-powered radio could be particularly useful during severe weather.
The government recommends writing down important phone numbers rather than relying entirely on a mobile phone.
In Northern Ireland, electricity faults can be reported to NIE Networks on 03457 643643.
Households should also know where their water, gas and electricity shut-off points are located, in case they need to isolate supplies during an emergency.
Extra support for vulnerable households
The campaign also highlights the importance of registering for additional support if someone in the household may need extra assistance during a power or utility outage.
In Northern Ireland, these arrangements are known as Customer Care Registers, rather than the Priority Services Register terminology commonly used in Great Britain.
Eligible customers can contact their relevant utility provider to find out about available support.
This may be particularly useful for older residents, people with disabilities or those who rely on electricity-powered medical equipment.
Government launches three-year campaign
The Be Ready initiative will run over the next three years, with information shared through government channels, social media, radio advertising and community organisations.
According to the government, more than 500 organisations have already agreed to help share the advice.
The campaign has been developed with input from the devolved administrations, including the Northern Ireland Executive.
Officials say much of the underlying preparedness advice has existed since 2024, but the updated campaign is intended to make it easier for households to understand and act upon.
Where can you find the official checklist?
Households can access the government’s Be Ready website, which includes its emergency checklist, household planning guidance and advice for different types of emergencies.
Official website: Be Ready – UK Government
Emergency checklist: View the household emergency checklist
Northern Ireland guidance: NI Direct
The advice is intended to help households prepare for unexpected disruption without unnecessary alarm or panic buying.
For people across Enniskillen and Fermanagh, having a few essential items available could make a significant difference during a prolonged power cut, severe storm or other emergency.
