Print and build gradually
UK emergency kit and household checklists
Tick what you already have. Add what is useful for your household over time. A complete list is not a reason to delay a safe action.
Last checked: 25 August 2026
Home emergency kit
- Battery or wind-up torch, with spare batteries
- Battery or wind-up radio
- Charged power banks and charging leads
- First-aid supplies, thermometer, gloves and dressings
- Hand sanitiser, wipes and basic sanitation items
- Sealed drinking water and a gradual replacement plan
- Ready-to-eat food and a manual tin opener
- Warm layers, blankets and practical footwear
- Paper contacts, radio frequencies and utility numbers
- Small amount of accessible cash where practical
Medicines and equipment
- Current medicines list, doses and allergies
- Several days of regular medicines through normal prescribing arrangements
- GP, pharmacy, clinical team and equipment-provider contacts
- Paper instructions for essential equipment
- Charged backup batteries where supplied or recommended
- Glasses, hearing-device batteries and communication aids
- Water, refrigeration or power continuity plan for medical needs
Grab bag
- Copies of identification and essential documents
- Medicines, list and device instructions
- Water, ready-to-eat food and hygiene basics
- Torch, radio, charging lead and power bank
- Warm layer, waterproof, practical shoes and spare socks
- Keys, contact plan, cash and travel information
- Baby, child, pet or assistance-animal essentials
- Communication card and accessibility items
Power and communications
- 105 saved for Great Britain or 03457 643643 for Northern Ireland
- Load-block letter written down if you are in Great Britain
- Priority Services Register details checked if eligible
- Broadband-landline and telecare backup understood
- Emergency Alerts enabled on compatible phones
- EmergencySMS registered in advance if needed
- 999 BSL app installed if useful
Children, pets and care
- School or childcare has current contact details
- Children know their address and how to call 999 when appropriate
- Comfort item and age-appropriate explanation prepared
- Carer, backup carer and dependent-person plan written down
- Pet food, water, medicines, lead, carrier and records
- Assistance-animal harness, records, supplies and trusted handler plan