Governments issue global guidance for household emergency preparedness

Governments worldwide are increasingly urging citizens to maintain emergency stockpiles to ensure self-sufficiency during potential crises. Driven by rising geopolitical tensions, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and severe weather events, at least 33 countries have issued official guidance advising households to store essential supplies including water, food, and medication. While requirements vary by region, the most common recommendation is to possess enough resources to last for at least 72 hours, though some nations now advise keeping supplies for up to ten days.

In the United Kingdom, the government has launched the "Be Ready" campaign, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham highlighting the necessity of storing long-life food to mitigate impacts from power outages or cyber-threats. Similar three-day preparedness mandates have been implemented in countries including France, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Canada. This shift follows broader international efforts to bolster societal resilience, such as the European Commission’s Union Preparedness Strategy presented in March 2025. Authorities emphasize that proactive preparation is essential to reduce public reliance on emergency services during large-scale disruptions, and citizens are being encouraged to assemble kits immediately rather than waiting for an emergency to occur.