Immediate danger to life: call 999 or 112.

UK Ready is an independent information site. Current official instructions for your area take priority over this general guidance.

National / hostile-state emergency

Sources checked 1 June 2026

Action summary

  1. Stay calm and rely only on verified official information (GOV.UK, Emergency Alerts, BBC).
  2. Follow any instructions issued by the government and emergency services immediately.
  3. If told to shelter: go in, stay in, tune in. If told to evacuate: take your grab bag and go.
  4. Keep an emergency kit: water, food, torch, battery radio, power bank, medication, cash, documents.
  5. Check on family and vulnerable neighbours; agree a communications plan.
  6. Do not spread or act on rumours or unverified social-media claims.

What is it?

A serious national or hostile-state emergency is a wide-ranging threat handled by the UK Government and emergency services under national resilience arrangements. The most important thing households can do is be prepared and follow official instructions.

What might happen?

There may be disruption to power, communications, transport, payments or supplies, and you may be asked to shelter or evacuate. Official Emergency Alerts and broadcasts will carry instructions.

First 10 minutes

Check for an official Emergency Alert or broadcast. Follow any instruction to shelter or evacuate. Get your emergency kit and family together.

First hour

Tune in to official channels for verified updates. Keep your phone charged and lines free. Support vulnerable people around you. Avoid non-essential travel.

First 24 hours

Maintain your supplies and follow evolving official guidance. Keep information discipline — verify before you share. Look after mental wellbeing and routines.

If it continues

Follow the government and emergency services throughout. Guidance will be specific to the situation and issued through official channels only.

Sources

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