A little more ready.

Start here. Drinking water is separate from water for washing, cooking and pets.

• Sealed drinking water18 litres for 2 people / 3 daysStart with supermarket bottles in sizes you can lift. Add more for heat, illness and individual needs. Not needed
• Extra water for cooking and washingAdditional to the drinking totalInclude handwashing, dishes and any hot meals. Estimate your household’s use; do not spend the drinking reserve on flushing. Not needed
• Food-safe water containers1 or 2 manageable containersUseful for collecting an emergency supply. Clean and fill as directed by your water company; an empty container is not stored water. Not needed
• Refillable drinking bottles or cups1 per personUse what you own. Label bottles if that makes sharing and ration tracking easier. Not needed

Choose familiar food you can eat cold. Protein, fruit and vegetables below are ingredients for your meals, not extra meals to buy. Check allergies, dietary needs and pack instructions.

• Breakfasts6 person-sized breakfastsFor example, cereal with small UHT cartons, or oatcakes and a suitable spread. Adjust portions to appetite. Not needed
• Lunches and dinners12 person-sized main mealsCombine ready-to-eat tins or pouches with bread, crackers or another ready-to-eat starch. A small soup tin alone may not make a filling meal. Not needed
• Ready-to-eat proteinEnough for your planned mealsExamples: beans, chickpeas, lentils, fish or meat in tins. Choose vegetarian, halal or other suitable options as needed. Not needed
• Fruit and vegetablesEnough for each dayChoose tinned fruit, vegetables and suitable dried fruit; include them in meals rather than counting them as complete meals. Not needed
• Snacks and extra energyDaily portions for each personChoose familiar snacks suitable for allergies and swallowing needs. Do not give whole nuts to children under five. Allow enough for appetite. Not needed
• Long-life drinks or milk alternativesSmall packs for planned useUHT products often need refrigeration once opened. Choose pack sizes you can finish safely. Not needed
• Manual tin opener1 working openerCheck it opens your chosen tins, even if most have ring pulls. Not needed
• Bowls, cups and cutlery1 set per personExisting reusable items are fine. A small supply of paper plates can reduce washing when water is limited. Not needed
• Fridge / freezer thermometer1 for each appliance you rely onKeep doors closed during an outage. Check the food-safety note below before using chilled food. Not needed

Enough light to move safely, and a way to keep essential phones charged.

• LED torch or headtorchAt least 1; ideally 1 per adultKeep one easy to reach at night. A headtorch leaves both hands free. Not needed
• LED room lantern1 for your main roomA stable lantern is useful for eating and moving around together. Avoid relying on candles. Not needed
• Matching spare batteriesSuggested: 2 full replacement setsCheck the actual AA / AAA / other sizes. Store in packaging or a case so loose terminals cannot short. Not needed
• Charged power bankAt least 1, matched to your phonesA reputable 10,000 to 20,000 mAh unit is a useful starting point. Test real charges; the printed capacity is not all delivered to the phone. Not needed
• Charging leads and wall chargerA compatible lead for each device typeKeep one set with the kit. Check your phone, lamp, radio and power bank connectors. Not needed
• A non-rechargeable lighting backup1 battery-powered light, if all others use USBThis can be the same torch already listed. Tiny solar panels and crank handles should not be your main charging plan. Not needed

Use your bedding and layers first. Most central heating also needs electricity.

• Warm blankets or suitable sleeping bagsA warm sleeping setup for each personCheck what you own before buying. For sleeping bags, use the comfort temperature, not just “four season” marketing. Not needed
• Warm layers, socks and hats1 accessible set per personAdd dry spare socks and underwear. Babies should not wear hats indoors; use suitable baby bedding and follow safer-sleep advice. Not needed
• Waterproof coats and practical shoes1 set per personKeep them reachable if you need to leave in bad weather. Not needed
• Room thermometer1Useful when deciding whether the home is becoming too cold or too hot for someone’s needs. Not needed
• A warmer place to goAgree with family, friends or support servicesPlan transport and accessibility before an outage. Do not wait for a medical problem if home conditions become unsafe. Not needed

Your usual treatment and a practical first-aid kit matter more than a large box of unfamiliar products.

• Regular medicines and essential suppliesEnough for your chosen period, agreed with your pharmacyInclude inhalers and any prescribed emergency medicines. Request repeats in good time; do not change doses or build unsafe stockpiles. Not needed
• Printed medicine and allergy list1 up-to-date copyInclude doses, prescription details and the relevant GP / pharmacy contacts. Store privately. Not needed
• First-aid supplies1 checked kitPlasters, sterile dressings, bandages, tape, disposable gloves and scissors. Replace used or expired items. Not needed
• Digital thermometer1 working thermometerCheck the battery and keep the instructions. Not needed
• Usual suitable non-prescription medicinesOnly products appropriate for your householdAsk a pharmacist about suitability, especially for children, pregnancy, interactions and existing health conditions. Not needed
• Spare glasses / hearing-aid suppliesAs usedInclude hearing-aid batteries or charging arrangements, lens supplies and other daily aids. Not needed

Base quantities on what your household normally uses over the selected number of days.

• Soap and hand sanitiser1 soap supply and 1 sanitiser bottleUse soap and safe water whenever possible, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. Not needed
• Toilet roll and tissues3 days of normal use plus a small bufferCheck the cupboard first. Not needed
• Wet wipes, flannels and towelsEnough for basic washingWipes go in the bin, not the toilet. They do not replace handwashing. Not needed
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste and toiletriesUsual household supplyAdd menstrual products, incontinence products and skin-care items where needed. Not needed
• Strong rubbish bags and cleaning gloves1 roll of bags and suitable glovesKeep waste separate from food, water and medicines. Not needed
• Washing-up liquid and cleaning suppliesSmall normal household supplyUse products as labelled. Never mix cleaning chemicals. Not needed
• A plan if the toilet cannot be usedConsider a purpose-made emergency toilet and linersUseful for a prolonged water or sewage failure. Follow the toilet instructions and council advice for waste disposal; do not put bagged waste into drains. Not needed

Have a way to get updates and a simple plan that still makes sense without the internet.

• Battery-powered FM radio1 per household, plus its batteriesTune it now. Write down a local news station and its frequency; reception varies by location. Not needed
• Paper contact sheet1 copy with the kit; another in a walletFamily, trusted neighbours, GP, pharmacy, utilities and an out-of-area contact. Not needed
• A modest cash reserveSmall notes and coins within your meansAllow for a few essential purchases if card payments fail. Keep it secure; do not publish the amount or location. Not needed
• Essential documents in a waterproof pouchCopies relevant to your householdID, insurance, medical information and useful account references. Keep originals and sensitive copies secure. Not needed
• Pen, paper and spare keys1 small setUse a labelled pouch; avoid labels that reveal an address if keys are lost. Not needed
• Offline map and travel planYour local area and agreed destinationDownload a map in advance or keep a printed one. Include accessible travel options if needed. Not needed

Only add this if you have a suitable, safe outdoor place and can store fuel correctly.

• A reputable camping stove1, only if suitable for your homeRead the manual before buying. Keep the no-cook food supply even if you own a stove. Not needed
• Exactly compatible fuel cartridgesAmount based on tested use and safe storageBuy the stove first. Match its specified cartridge and fuel, including cold-weather limits. Do not improvise adapters. Not needed
• Suitable pan with lid / kettle1, within the stove’s stated size limitAn oversized pan or makeshift windshield can overheat a gas cartridge. Not needed
• Lighter or matches, and heat protectionAs the stove instructions requireStore away from children. Keep spare fuel away from the cooking area. Not needed
• Insulated flask1 if usefulRetains heat from safely boiled water. Existing equipment is fine. Not needed

Add only what applies. Feeding needs and safe sleep arrangements are individual.

• Infant feeding supplies and a safe feeding planUsual feeds for 3 daysIf formula feeding, suitable ready-to-feed liquid milk in small packs avoids needing to prepare powder during an outage. Check special formula needs with your care team. Not needed
• Clean, sterilised feeding equipmentAs needed for every feedReady-to-feed milk is sterile until opened; bottles and teats still need cleaning and sterilising. Plan a safe method if there is no power or water. Not needed
• Nappies, wipes and disposal bagsDaily use × 3, plus a bufferAdd age-appropriate food, clothing and prescribed medicines. Not needed
• A familiar comfort item and activitiesA small selectionBooks, colouring or a simple game can help children manage disruption. Not needed
• Pregnancy / maternity essentialsUsual medicines, supplements and maternity contactsKeep maternity notes accessible if used. Near the due date, prepare the hospital bag and transport plan. Not needed
• Childcare and family meeting arrangementsConfirm with carers or schoolMake sure emergency contact and collection details are current. Not needed

For anyone who depends on equipment, carers or extra help. Make this plan before a disruption.

• A medical-device outage planAgree with the clinical team and equipment providerRecord safe backup power, how long it lasts, who to call and when to relocate. A normal power bank may be unsuitable. Not needed
• A refrigerated-medicine planSpecific to the medicineAsk your pharmacist about permitted temperatures, monitoring and transport. A cool bag alone is not a guaranteed solution. Not needed
• Care alarm / communication backupCheck with the alarm and telephone providersTest what still works without mains power or broadband, and arrange an alternative way to get help. Not needed
• Mobility and personal-care suppliesUsual aids, chargers and 3 days of consumablesInclude a safe assisted evacuation plan. Avoid relying on lifts during a power failure. Not needed
• Priority Services Register checksEnergy supplier / network and water providerCheck eligibility and register where appropriate. Extra support is not a guarantee of uninterrupted service. In Northern Ireland, check the electricity and water providers’ care registers: NI care registers. Not needed
• A named helper and backup helperAgree contact and visiting arrangementsInclude carers, accessible transport and a place that can meet the person’s needs. Not needed

Keep their normal routine and supplies where possible.

• Usual food and separate drinking water3 days for every animalUse normal portions and their usual water needs. Human water totals above do not include animals. Not needed
• Medication and vet contactsUsual supply and out-of-hours numberInclude records, prescriptions and any special storage requirements. Not needed
• Carrier, lead or harness, and bowlsSuitable equipment for each animalMake sure you can transport them safely. Know where they can stay with you. Not needed
• Litter, waste bags and bedding3 days of normal useKeep a familiar blanket or toy to help with unfamiliar surroundings. Not needed
• Identification and pet recordsCurrent details in a waterproof pouchKeep a photo, microchip details and vaccination information available. Not needed

Use an existing backpack. Keep it light enough for its owner to carry.

• An accessible grab bag1 manageable bag per person, or shared bagsPack clothing, toiletries, a torch, water, ready-to-eat snacks and a small first-aid kit. Reuse items above where practical. Not needed
• A last-minute essentials cardKeep beside the bagPhone, medication, keys, documents, glasses, chargers and any baby or pet supplies. Not needed
• A safe destination and transport planMain option plus an alternativeInclude family members who cannot walk far, and places that accept pets. Not needed
• A small car kit, if you driveTorch, warm layer, water, snacks and chargerAdd high-visibility clothing and seasonal equipment. Maintain useful fuel or charge rather than running very low. Not needed
• Local weather and flood checksKnow the official alert services for your areaKeep emergency items above likely floodwater and know how to leave safely. Not needed

These are jobs, not extra shopping. Tick when done and review regularly.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a monthTest carbon monoxide alarms to the manufacturer’s instructionsCheck battery / sensor replacement dates and that everyone can hear or otherwise receive the alarm. Not needed
• Show everyone where essentials areOne short household walkthroughLocate torches, first aid, water and the grab bag. Keep exits and access routes clear. Not needed
• Know the water, gas and electricity shutoffsIdentify them in advanceOnly operate them when safe and appropriate. Never touch electrical equipment while standing in water. Not needed
• Agree how to check on each otherInclude nearby relatives and neighboursChoose meeting points and an out-of-area contact. Keep each home’s basic supplies there, rather than assuming roads will be usable. Not needed
• Store supplies sensiblyCool, dry, labelled and accessibleKeep heavy water low down; protect it from freezing, heat and contamination. Keep food away from chemicals and fuel. Not needed
• Rotate food, water and medicinesUse oldest suitable items firstFollow date labels and storage instructions. Replace used items as part of normal shopping. Not needed
• Charge and test backup equipmentFollow maker’s advice; check before forecast disruptionTry the radio, torches and power bank. Store batteries safely and check for damage or leaks. Not needed
• Book a kit reviewEvery 6 months, and after using itRecheck quantities, expiry dates, household needs, contacts and seasonal supplies. Not needed
• Try one meal without mains electricityA short practice at homeUse the no-cook food and lights. Notice missing items and whether portions are enough. Not needed