Guides
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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.
Read guidanceMake a household emergency plan
How to make a simple emergency plan for your household in the UK, so everyone knows what to do and where to go.
Read guidanceUK emergency preparedness — start here
Practical UK guidance for major emergencies, prolonged infrastructure disruption and conflict-related incidents. Prepare for consequences, not predictions.
Read guidanceWater for emergencies
Water is the weakest point in many UK household plans. How much to store, how to store it safely, and what to do if the mains is disrupted.
Read guidanceCash and payment disruption
Being ready for times when card payments or cash machines don't work.
Read guidanceChecking on vulnerable neighbours
How to safely check on neighbours who may need help in an emergency.
Read guidanceCommunications plan
Agreeing how your household will stay in touch during an emergency.
Read guidanceFirst aid basics
Simple first-aid preparation and where to learn official skills.
Read guidanceImportant documents
Keeping copies of the documents you'd need in an emergency.
Read guidanceMedication and prescriptions
Keeping essential medication available during an emergency.
Read guidanceOlder and vulnerable people
Helping older and vulnerable people be ready for emergencies.
Read guidancePack a grab bag
What to put in a grab bag you can take quickly if you have to leave home.
Read guidancePower cut checklist
A quick printable checklist for coping with a power cut.
Read guidancePreparing with babies and children
How to prepare your household emergency plans when you have babies or young children.
Read guidancePreparing your pets
Including pets in your household emergency plan.
Read guidanceStoring water and food
How much water and what food to keep for emergencies, based on official guidance.
Read guidanceUK Emergency Alerts explained
What the UK Emergency Alerts system is, what an alert looks and sounds like, and what to do.
Read guidance