It’s been one week since the second annual publication of the UK Public Survey of Risk Perception, Resilience and Preparedness. So, what does the 2026 survey tell us about how the public views risk, resilience and preparedness and what does this mean for those working to build resilience across the UK?
What is the Public Survey of Risk Perception, Resilience and Preparedness?
The survey was launched in 2025 as an action from the 2022 UK Government Resilience Framework. The now annual survey seeks to understand public perception about risk, resilience and preparedness, with the findings helping to support the UK Government’s ambition of a whole-of-society approach to resilience.
Nearly 11,000 UK adults participated in the 2026 survey across all four UK constituent nations.
What Risks Do the UK Public Think Are Most Likely To Affect Local Areas?
Severe weather, cyber disruption and supply issues are among the risks that people see as most likely to affect their local areas in the next two years.
There was also a notable increase in concern about war compared with 2025, rising from 19% to 28% of those who completed the survey.
How Prepared Are UK Households For Emergencies And Disasters?
Most respondents believe preparedness matters. However, only 13% consider their household to be largely or totally prepared for emergencies or disasters.
There is also a low uptake of household emergency plans and grab bags. Just 14% reported having a household emergency plan, while only 19% reported having a grab bag ready.
The majority (82%) reported that they would have less than one day’s supply of bottled water available in an emergency.
The findings highlight a key challenge for resilience; the importance of preparedness does not necessarily translate into practical action at an individual or household level.
How Confident is the Public in the UK’s Preparedness for Emergencies?
Confidence in national preparedness is also low, with only 14% believing that the UK is largely or totally prepared for emergencies or disasters.
How Aware is the Public of Local Resilience Forums?
What may contribute to this love confidence, is a lack of public awareness about the role and functions of Local Resilience Forums. 73% of respondents had never heard of them.
This raises an important question about how we communicate the arrangements that are already in place to prepare for and respond to emergencies, as well as the ways in which we can help people understand the role they can play within them.
How Important are Communities in Building Resilience?
There is more confidence in local communities, with 62% believing that their neighbours would pull together in a crisis.
This is an encouraging finding and reinforces the vital role that communities can play in building resilience.
A rounded society approach to resilience is not just about government and emergency services being prepared. It is also about individuals, households, communities, businesses and voluntary organisations understanding the risks they face and having the capability to take action.
What Does the Survey Mean for UK Resilience and Preparedness?
The findings suggest that awareness is growing, but taking practical steps to develop preparedness at an individual and household level remains a challenge.
In an emergency, people are likely to lean more on the support of their community and authorities to respond and recover. People need to have access to clear, relevant information about the risks they face and the steps they can take to prepare.
The responses also suggest that the public is hungry for more information and guidance from the government.
For those working in resilience, this presents an opportunity. The survey results can help to shape public and community engagement initiatives related to risk, preparedness and resilience ensuring that engagement is informed by what people are concerned about, what they understand and where the gaps are.
The 2026 survey provides a valuable insight into public perceptions and behaviours. It should not, however, be treated as a definitive picture of the preparedness of the entire UK population. Rather, it provides useful evidence that can help inform how we approach resilience, preparedness and public engagement.
How Can Organisations Turn Risk Awareness into Preparedness?
The challenge now is how we turn greater awareness of risk into practical preparedness and stronger community resilience.
Understanding public perceptions is an important first step. The next is using that insight to develop engagement that is meaningful, accessible and encourages people to take action.
Need Help in This Area?
At RAB, our resilience team supports organisations with public and community engagement around risk, preparedness and resilience.
Get in touch with our resilience team to discuss how we can support you.