Why is the United Kingdom asking its citizens to prepare to spend 72 hours without electricity, water, or internet?

British Prime Minister, Labour's Andy Burnham, urged his fellow citizens this Friday to prepare for emergency situations and chaired a meeting to improve the fight against wildfires.

The British government has launched the "Be Ready" campaign, which encourages the population to equip themselves to cope with potential interruptions to essential services, against a backdrop of concern over weather events, cyberattacks, and other crisis situations.

Thus, households are recommended to have stocks of basic supplies to be able to face up to three days without electricity, water, telecommunications, or internet access, in line with recommendations made in other European countries.

A website offers a list that includes everything from bottles of water and non-perishable food to flashlights with spare batteries and cash.

"We live in a world where unexpected events seem to be becoming more frequent," declared Burnham, citing storms as an example.

"It is about having provisions at home that will help you cope with those moments," he added.

Hours earlier, during a meeting in Liverpool with fire service officials, local authorities, and experts, the Prime Minister announced that military helicopters and planes would be equipped to fight wildfires.

England's fire services will also have more specialized wildfire equipment.

The government indicated that it will allocate up to 45 million pounds (60 million dollars) to deal with the increase in fires.

In recent years, the United Kingdom has suffered wildfires every summer as a consequence of drought episodes and high temperatures.

According to scientific consensus, climate change caused by human activity is increasing the intensity and frequency of these phenomena.

In a statement, the government notes that "last winter's storms and this summer's fires have shown that extreme weather events can disrupt daily life and interrupt essential services."

Defense Secretary Wes Streeting asked the British public on the BBC on Thursday to remain "alert, without panicking."

Streeting had previously stated that households and businesses should ask themselves if they are prepared for possible "disruptions to essential supply chains, caused by hostile countries or terrorists."