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In October 2026, the United Kingdom government introduced the ‘Be Ready’ initiative, a public awareness campaign designed to encourage citizens to prepare for unforeseen emergencies. Whether facing extreme weather conditions or the potential for cyberattacks on digital infrastructure, the initiative aims to ensure that households are equipped to handle temporary disruptions to essential services like water and electricity. The core advice provided by the government suggests that every home should maintain a three-day supply of non-perishable food and bottled water. Since the campaign’s launch, retail data has indicated a swift reaction from the public. Specifically, sales of hand sanitiser and bottled water have risen by 83 percent and 67 percent respectively. There has also been a notable increase in the purchase of tinned and jarred goods, such as vegetables and meat. Crucially, retail experts emphasize that current consumer behavior should not be confused with ‘panic buying.’ Unlike previous crises where shoppers cleared shelves in fear, the current trend is described as ‘gradual stockpiling.’ This involves individuals adding specific items from the government’s official checklist to their regular weekly shopping over time. For instance, while nearly half a million additional consumers are purchasing tinned meat daily, the quantity each person buys remains small. This measured approach aligns with the government’s objectives of responsible preparation. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended the campaign, stating that maintaining basic supplies is a sensible precaution for any household. He noted that the UK is essentially adopting practices already common in countries like Sweden and Norway, where emergency preparedness is a standard part of life. Beyond food and water, the official checklist recommends keeping items such as torches, wet wipes, and a small amount of cash, as electronic payment systems may become unreliable during a power failure. Ultimately, the ‘Be Ready’ campaign serves as a reminder of the potential fragility of modern systems. It prompts a vital question for all citizens: in the event of a sudden crisis, are you adequately prepared to sustain yourself and your family for seventy-two hours?

1. What is the primary purpose of the ‘Be Ready’ campaign?

• A.To boost the profits of supermarkets and retail researchers.
• B.To warn the public about an immediate and certain cyberattack.
• C.To encourage households to prepare for unexpected service failures.
• D.To introduce new laws regarding how much food citizens can buy.

2. According to the article, why are people currently buying more bottled water and tinned goods?

• A.There is a national shortage of fresh produce.
• B.They are following official government recommendations.
• C.Prices for these items have dropped significantly.
• D.They are panicking about a predicted severe storm.

3. What does the author imply by comparing the UK to Sweden and Norway?

• A.The UK is currently less prepared for emergencies than these countries.
• B.The UK has more advanced technology for dealing with cyberattacks.
• C.Sweden and Norway have recently experienced major electricity failures.
• D.The ‘Be Ready’ campaign was actually designed by Scandinavian experts.

4. What is the government’s attitude toward the current shopping habits of the public?

• A.They are concerned that people are spending too much money.
• B.They are pleased that citizens are acting in a responsible and calm manner.
• C.They are disappointed that more people have not yet started stockpiling.
• D.They are worried that the gradual stockpiling will lead to panic buying.

5. What does the word ‘disruptions’ mean as used in the first paragraph?

• A.Improvements to existing services.
• B.The cost of maintaining public utilities.
• C.Situations where a process or service is interrupted.
• D.New digital threats from foreign countries.