A LITTLE USEFUL READING · 2 MINUTES
Three days of what, exactly?
The kettle’s quiet. The fridge has stopped humming. What would make the next few days a little easier?
Give yourself a little breathing room.
The government’s three-day guidance gives households a buffer during disruption, while help reaches people who need it most. Think of it as a starting point for planning, rather than a promise that services return in 72 hours.
01 / SOMETHING TO DRINK
Water adds up.
Allow three litres per person per day for drinking. Cooking and washing need extra; remember water for pets too.
Two people? That’s 18 litres for drinking.
02 / SOMETHING TO EAT
Dinner, unplugged.
Keep three days of familiar, long-life food that needs neither cooking nor refrigeration. Tinned food, dried fruit and nuts are examples; choose what suits your household’s diet.
Your cupboard challenge: can you picture breakfast, lunch and dinner without switching anything on?
03 / A FEW EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS
Then look beyond the kitchen.
A torch, warm layers, a charged power bank and written contact numbers can help too. Include the things your household relies on, such as baby and pet supplies.
ONE SMALL NEXT STEP
Open a cupboard. Start there.
Check what you already own. Add a missing item or two to regular shopping when you can. Review supplies and dates every six months.
Find my household’s gapsPUT IT INTO PRACTICE
What’s for dinner when the power’s out?
Try a day of meals, spot the little snags and find one cupboard gap.
Try the cupboard challengeSee free and low-cost ways to get prepared →
Based on the UK government’s Be Ready guidance ↗. Checked 2 November 2026.