Independent guidance for the United KingdomLow-data guideGlobal edition
PREPARENOWUK
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Start your UK emergency plan in 30 minutes

Preparation is a set of small decisions, not a shopping identity. Use what you have, write down what matters and add supplies gradually.

Begin the 30-minute planOpen the low-data guide

Your first 30 minutes

  1. 10 min

    Connect

    Choose one contact outside your immediate area, one meeting point nearby and another farther away. Write their details on paper.

  2. 10 min

    Gather

    Put a torch, radio, charged power bank, medicines list, first-aid basics and warm layers in a place everyone can find.

  3. 10 min

    Check

    Look up your flood risk and weather-warning service. Save your utility numbers and ask who may need extra help.

Write these down

  • 999 and 112 for immediate danger
  • 105 for power cuts in England, Scotland and Wales
  • 03457 643643 for power cuts in Northern Ireland
  • Your water, gas and electricity providers
  • One out-of-area household contact
  • GP, pharmacy, clinical team and equipment provider where relevant
  • Local radio frequencies and council information channels

Build a few-days buffer

Current UK guidance recommends supplies for emergencies lasting a few days. Three days is a useful first target where practical, not a hard finish line. Add ordinary items through normal shopping and rotate them.

  • Sealed drinking water, with extra for babies, health needs and animals.
  • Ready-to-eat food that suits the household and a manual tin opener.
  • Regular medicines through normal prescribing arrangements and a current list.
  • Lighting, radio, batteries, power banks and charging leads.
  • First-aid, hygiene and sanitation supplies.
  • Copies of essential documents, contacts and insurance information.

Open the full emergency-kit checklist

During an emergency

  1. Identify the incident. Fire, flood water, hazardous substances, terrorism and power cuts require different actions.
  2. Read the instruction. Check the issuer, affected area, time and whether the message says to shelter, evacuate or avoid travel.
  3. Protect life first. Leave possessions behind when delay creates danger.
  4. Use fallback information. Move from mobile data to radio, paper contacts and responders if networks fail.
  5. Help safely. Check neighbours and relatives only when doing so does not move you towards danger.
Fire

Get out, stay out, call 999.

Do not stop for a grab bag or re-enter.

Evacuation order

Leave without delay.

Use the route and destination given by authorities.

Shelter instruction

Go in, stay in and tune in.

Close outside air when told and wait for updates.