Storm season and disability, how to be ready

Storm season is here. The first two named storms of the 2026 to 2027 season, Storm Austen and Storm Boelo, arrived in the same week in late October, bringing strong winds and heavy rain. More storms are likely over the winter.

In the same week, the government launched Be Ready, a campaign asking every household to take a few simple steps to prepare for emergencies such as severe weather and power cuts.

For many disabled people, a storm is not just an inconvenience. If you rely on powered medical equipment, a stairlift, an electric wheelchair, a telecare alarm or medicines that need a fridge, a power cut can quickly become serious. This guide explains what Be Ready asks you to do, and the free help you can get.

What is Be Ready?

Be Ready was launched by the Cabinet Office on 22 October 2026. It is the first part of a three year campaign to help households feel more prepared for events like storms, floods and loss of power, water, phone or internet.

The idea is simple. If households that can prepare do so, emergency services can focus on the people who need them most. That is why it matters for disabled people. Planning ahead means you are less likely to be left without help, and the services you rely on can reach you faster.

The Be Ready checklist

The government suggests keeping enough to manage at home for 3 days:

water: 3 litres per person per day, for 3 days
food that does not need a fridge or cooking, for 3 days
a torch and spare batteries
a battery or wind-up radio
a charged power bank for your phone
some cash, in case card payments are down
copies of important documents
a written list of important phone numbers and your medicines, in case your phone is not working
a first aid kit
blankets and warm clothing

It is advice, not a rule. You do not need to buy everything at once. You can build it up slowly during your normal shopping.

Join the Priority Services Register

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is one of the most useful things you can do, and it is free. Be Ready asks everyone who is eligible to sign up.

If you are on the register, your energy and water companies know you may need extra help. Depending on your needs, they can:

give you advance warning of planned power cuts
give you priority support and updates during a power cut, especially if you rely on medical equipment
arrange bottled water to be delivered if your water supply is cut off
set up a password scheme, so you know a caller is genuine
send information in large print, Braille or other formats
let a trusted person be contacted on your behalf

Who can join?

You can usually join if you, or someone you live with:

is disabled or has a long-term health condition
has a mental health condition
has reduced mobility
relies on medical equipment that needs power, or needs water for medical reasons
has a sight or hearing impairment
is of State Pension age
is pregnant or has a child under 5
needs extra help for a short time, for example after an operation

How to join

Energy and water companies keep separate registers, so it is worth signing up with all of them:

Your energy supplier. This is the company that sends your gas or electricity bill. Ask by phone or on their website.
Your electricity network operator. This is the company that looks after the cables and fixes power cuts in your area. The thepsr.co.uk website can tell you who yours is and help you sign up.
Your water company. Ask them to add you to their priority services list.

Some companies share details with each other if you agree, but always check you are on each list. It only takes a few minutes, and you can ask a family member, carer or support worker to do it with you.

See more about help with energy and water bills.

If you rely on medical equipment

If you use equipment such as a home oxygen concentrator, a ventilator, a suction machine, a dialysis machine, a hoist, a pressure-relieving mattress or an electric bed:

tell your electricity network operator and make sure you are on the PSR
ask your equipment provider what to do in a power cut, and how long any battery lasts
if you use home oxygen, ask your oxygen supplier about back-up cylinders
keep batteries charged, including for electric wheelchairs, scooters and stairlifts, when a storm is forecast
write down who to call, and keep the list somewhere easy to find

Medicines

Order repeat prescriptions in good time, especially if a storm is forecast or over Christmas.
Keep a written list of your medicines and doses.
If you have medicines that must be kept in a fridge, such as some insulins, ask your pharmacist what to do if the power goes off. Keep the fridge door shut as much as you can.
If you run out or cannot get to the pharmacy, call NHS 111.

Phones, alarms and staying in touch

Most landlines are moving to digital phone lines that run through your broadband router. These stop working in a power cut unless you have a battery back-up.

If you rely on your landline, for example because you have no mobile signal or use a telecare or personal alarm, tell your phone provider. They should offer you a free solution, such as a battery back-up, so you can call 999 for at least an hour in a power cut.
Tell your telecare provider too, so they can check your alarm will still work.
Keep a charged power bank for your mobile phone.

emergencySMS

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can register for emergencySMS. It lets you contact the police, ambulance, fire service or coastguard by text message. You need to register before you need it: text the word register to 999, and follow the instructions.

Make a plan with someone you trust

Be Ready suggests agreeing a back-up plan with anyone who may need extra help, especially if they live alone. For example:

agree that if the power goes off and you cannot call, a family member, friend or neighbour will come round in person
give a trusted person a spare key, or tell them where to find one
make sure your carer or care agency knows your plan, and what to do if they cannot reach you
if you would need help to leave your home, for example in a flood, think now about how you would do it and who could help

When a storm is forecast

The Met Office names storms when they could cause medium or high impacts. Check the forecast and weather warnings, which come as yellow, amber or red.

Charge your phone, power bank, wheelchair and other devices
Bring in or tie down things outside that could blow away, like bins and garden furniture
Stay indoors if you can during the worst of the weather
Avoid travelling unless you must. Check whether transport, appointments or care visits are affected
Keep away from the coast, rivers and fallen power lines. Never touch a power line, and call 105 to report one

Flooding

Storms can bring flooding. You can sign up for free flood warnings by phone, text or email on GOV.UK, or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188. In Wales, Natural Resources Wales runs the same service.

Help with costs after a storm

Home and contents insurance may cover storm damage. Contact your insurer as soon as you can, and take photos.
If you are on a low income and face an emergency, your council may be able to help. In England, ask about the Crisis and Resilience Fund. In Wales, you can apply to the Discretionary Assistance Fund.
Read our guide to disability and winter for help with energy bills and keeping warm.

Common questions

What is the Be Ready campaign?

Be Ready is a government campaign launched by the Cabinet Office on 22 October 2026. It asks households to take small, simple steps to prepare for emergencies such as severe weather, including keeping 3 days of food and water at home and joining the Priority Services Register. It is advice, not a rule, and you can build up supplies slowly.

Is the Priority Services Register free?

Yes. It is free to join. You can join if you are disabled, have a long-term condition or a mental health condition, rely on medical equipment, have reduced mobility, or are of State Pension age, among other reasons. Register with your energy supplier, your electricity network operator and your water company, as they keep separate lists.

Who do I call in a power cut?

Call 105 for free. It puts you through to your local electricity network operator, whoever supplies your energy. If you are on the Priority Services Register, tell them, especially if you rely on medical equipment.

Will my landline work in a power cut?

Older copper landlines often keep working, but most landlines are moving to digital phone lines that run through your broadband router. These stop working in a power cut unless you have a battery back-up. If you rely on your landline, for example for a telecare alarm, tell your phone provider. They should offer you a free solution so you can still call 999 for at least an hour.