UK retailers are reporting a sharp rise in purchases of emergency supplies after the government’s Be Ready campaign urged households to prepare for 72 hours without normal services.
Maplin told the Guardian that torch sales had almost quadrupled, while sales of power banks and radios had doubled. A specialist outdoor retailer also reported selling about 300 wind-up radios over the weekend, compared with its usual 15, although the Guardian reported that demand for radios and water-purification tablets remained relatively low overall. Retailers report increased demand for emergency supplies
The increase is not translating into a general shortage of food and water. Iceland said tinned-food sales were up 40% over the weekend and that bottled-water sales were strong, while Ocado reported higher demand for some products. But several major supermarkets said they had seen no material change in demand for tinned goods, and the British Retail Consortium said food availability remained strong and retailers were well stocked. The Guardian’s report on retailer sales
The government guidance sets the practical benchmark behind the buying: households are advised to keep three litres of water per person per day for drinking, with additional water for cooking and washing, alongside three days of food. It also recommends blankets, cash, a first-aid kit, a torch with batteries and a wind-up FM radio. Government preparedness guidance reported by the Guardian
For households, the confirmed change is therefore increased interest in preparedness—not a nationwide supply failure. The official advice is designed around short-term disruption from events including severe weather or loss of essential technology, while retailer reports indicate that most recommended groceries remain available.