UK Government Be Prepared Campaign

The government is asking us each to consider “How should you prepare for an emergency?” and to recognise that “Taking action now will make it easier to manage if an emergency does happen“.

So…..if an emergency did happen in your area, how would you manage? What about your relatives, friends, neighbours or colleagues – do you know anyone who might need some extra help or support?

The government has launched a “Be prepared” website that sets out information is designed to help you prepare for emergencies, be more informed about hazards, and get involved in activities to support your community before, during and after an emergency. There is also specific advice for disabled persons and carers.

The Be Prepared Campaign highlights a few simple things you could do now to prepare for emergencies

1. Find out if you are eligible to sign up to your gas, electricity and water supplier’s Priority Service Registers, so they know that you need additional support, including when there is an interruption to your supply. Ask anyone you provide care for if they are registered.
2. Write down important phone numbers on paper such as the number to report a power cut (105) and the numbers of anyone you might want to contact in an emergency. Use the Be Prepared household emergency plan to record this information in one document. 
3. You can also download the Be Ready checklist. 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.
4. Learn how to safely shut off your home’s gas, water, and electricity supplies and set a reminder in your phone or make a note on your calendar to check your smoke alarms at least once a month. You can involve children in the monthly test too. 
5. Talk to your children about emergencies – teach them how and when to call 999 and what they should do if there’s an emergency, such as a fire at home.
6. Agree a meeting point with family members in case you cannot return home or contact each other for a period of time and pick an out of area contact person.

Follow this link for more simple and effective steps being recommended by the Be Prepared Campaign team.

Surrey County Council is our lead local authority involved in preparations to ensure that if an incident happens in the county, the people of Surrey are prepared and essential services are restored as quickly as possible.

There is an Emergency Planning section on the SCC website with lots of advice for Surrey residents and encouragement to invest time before an emergency happens to ensure you are as prepared as possible. Visit it today and invest some time to start your preparations.

Last updated 23rd October 2026