Emergency Kits

A useful emergency kit is mostly ordinary things you already use: drinking water, food that does not need cooking, a torch, a way to hear updates and essential household supplies. Start with what you have rather than buying a large survival kit.

Choose the right job

Make the kit work for your household

Supplies are more useful when everyone knows where they are and what to do. Agree contacts and meeting places, include accessibility needs and check that equipment can actually be used without mains power.

• Make a household emergency and communications plan.
• Prepare before a winter storm, act safely during it and check afterwards.
• Check flood risk and alerts in your UK nation.

Print, check and practise

Use the printable supplies checklist and blank household plan. Keep a paper copy somewhere everyone can find. Review supplies when circumstances change and replace items as you use them. An expensive bag cannot replace a realistic plan.

The UK Government's Be Ready checklist provides the official starting point. Follow official instructions during an incident, including instructions to leave home.