Build an emergency kit
How to put together a simple household emergency kit in the UK — the essentials to keep at home and in a grab bag.
WHAT TO DO NOW
- 1Keep bottled water and some ready-to-eat food that needs no cooking.
- 2Get a battery or wind-up torch and radio, plus spare batteries and a power bank.
- 3Keep a first-aid kit and any essential medication (and a list of prescriptions).
- 4Have some cash in small denominations in case card payments are down.
- 5Keep copies of important documents and key phone numbers on paper.
- 6Pack a small grab bag you can take quickly if you have to leave.
What not to do
- Do not rely on being able to buy supplies during an emergency.
- Do not let medication, batteries or food in the kit expire — check twice a year.
- Do not over-buy — a simple, practical kit is enough for most households.
What is it?
An emergency kit is a small store of essentials that helps your household cope if services like power, water or shops are disrupted, or if you have to leave home quickly.
What might happen?
You might need to manage for a period without power, heating, tap water, mobile signal or card payments, or leave home at short notice.
First 10 minutes
Gather what you already have — torch, radio, water, first-aid kit — into one place.
First hour
Fill the gaps: bottled water, no-cook food, batteries, power bank, cash, copies of documents and a grab bag.
First 24 hours
Store the kit somewhere easy to reach and tell everyone in the home where it is.
If it continues for several days
Review the kit twice a year: replace expired items, update medication and documents, and adjust for changes in your household.
Children
Include baby supplies (formula, nappies, wipes) and a comfort item for children.
Older & vulnerable people
Include spare glasses, hearing-aid batteries, mobility aids and a list of medication and care needs.
Pets
Include pet food, water, a bowl, lead/carrier and any pet medication.
Communications
Keep a written list of key contacts and a battery/wind-up radio so you can stay informed.
Official sources
This guidance is an editorial explanation of official UK advice. Always follow instructions from the authorities.
- GOV.UK — Prepare Published 2024-06-01
- NHS Published 2025-01-01