St John Scotland supports UK Government's Be Ready campaign
The UK Government’s Be Ready campaign is encouraging people to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies and disruption to everyday services. From severe weather to other emergencies, disruption can affect the services we rely on, and being prepared for three days can help households manage while support reaches those who need it most.
At St John Scotland, we welcome this practical approach to preparedness. Through our work helping communities learn CPR, improve access to Public Access Defibrillators and supporting patients travelling to vital hospital treatment, we know the difference that confident, connected and resilient communities can make.
Being prepared doesn’t mean expecting the worst or buying everything at once. Small, manageable steps can make a difference.
Simple steps to be better prepared
- Make a household plan - think about how you would contact one another, where you would meet if separated and whether anyone you know may need additional support.
- Build up essential supplies - the Be Ready campaign recommends having enough supplies to manage for three days. Check what you already have and add things gradually, taking account of your household’s individual needs.
- Be ready for severe weather - check weather and travel information before setting out and think about what you might need if your journey is disrupted.
- Stay informed - know where to find reliable information from your local council, emergency services and Ready Scotland.
- Keep in touch - knowing your neighbours and checking in on people who may be isolated or need additional help can make a real difference during disruption.
Ready Scotland provides practical advice to help people plan ahead, keep important contacts available and stay informed during emergencies. It also provides guidance specifically aimed at helping communities prepare.
Importantly, being prepared does not have to mean spending money. Not everyone can afford to put aside additional food or supplies. Readiness can also mean knowing where to find trusted information, making a plan with family or neighbours and understanding where support is available locally.
Communities can prepare together
Preparedness isn’t only about individuals and households. Communities already have many of the things that can make a difference during an emergency: trusted relationships, local knowledge, practical skills, community spaces and ways to reach people.
Ready Scotland encourages people to get involved and help their community prepare for emergencies. Local groups can start by considering what skills and resources already exist, what risks their community might face, and how they can share reliable information.
Food banks and other local support networks also provide vital help to people facing hardship, including when severe weather or disruption makes everyday life more difficult. Supporting these organisations according to what they need locally can help strengthen communities year-round.
The free Ready Together toolkit provides another practical resource for community groups wanting to think about preparedness together.
At St John Scotland, much of our work is already about helping create safer, more resilient communities. This winter, we’re encouraging everyone to take one manageable step towards being better prepared, and to look out for one another along the way.
Find out more:
Be Ready | Ready Scotland | Ready Together toolkit