National / hostile-state emergency
Calm, official-sourced guidance on how UK households can be resilient during a serious national or security emergency. No speculation — just preparedness and where to get verified information.
WHAT TO DO NOW
- 1Stay calm and rely only on verified official information (GOV.UK, Emergency Alerts, BBC).
- 2Follow any instructions issued by the government and emergency services immediately.
- 3If told to shelter: go in, stay in, tune in. If told to evacuate: take your grab bag and go.
- 4Keep an emergency kit: water, food, torch, battery radio, power bank, medication, cash, documents.
- 5Check on family and vulnerable neighbours; agree a communications plan.
- 6Do not spread or act on rumours or unverified social-media claims.
What not to do
- Do not speculate, panic-buy or spread unverified information.
- Do not attempt any tactical or combat action — follow the authorities.
- Do not ignore official instructions or Emergency Alerts.
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 for several days
Follow the government and emergency services throughout. Guidance will be specific to the situation and issued through official channels only.
Children
Reassure children with calm routines and limit exposure to distressing coverage; explain simply that adults are keeping them safe.
Older & vulnerable people
Check on older and vulnerable neighbours; help them prepare a kit and understand official instructions.
Pets
Include pets in your plans — food, water, carrier and records — and keep them with you if you shelter or evacuate.
Communications
Keep a battery/wind-up radio and a written contact list. Agree one out-of-area contact for the family to check in with.
Official sources
This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.
- GOV.UK — Prepare Published 2024-06-01
- ProtectUK (Counter Terrorism Policing) Published 2024-01-01