Emergency supplies for UK households

Water is an everyday need even when the taps stop. Keep drinking water separate from any allowance for cooking, washing and cleaning.

How much to consider

Our planning example uses 3 litres per person per day: 36 litres for four people over three days. It is drinking water only, not a universal official requirement.

What to look for

Choose sealed drinking water or clean food-safe containers. Check storage instructions, usable size and whether everyone at home can lift and open them.

A budget-friendly approach

Build up gradually with water you normally buy, where suitable. Rotate supplies using the product’s storage instructions.

Check what you already own

Check unopened drinking water and suitable containers before buying more.

A useful food supply fits your household’s diet and the equipment you can use during disruption.

How much to consider

Estimate three days of suitable meals and snacks for everyone. This is a coverage estimate, not a nutritional assessment or a fixed number of tins.

What to look for

Prioritise familiar foods, clear storage instructions, dietary suitability and minimal preparation. Check whether tins need a manual opener.

A budget-friendly approach

Add a few extra items to your normal shop and rotate them into everyday meals.

Check what you already own

Check cupboards, ring-pull tins and your existing manual opener. Avoid buying food nobody will eat.

A working torch helps you find essentials and move around during a power cut.

How much to consider

Our checklist starts with one working household torch. More may be useful across floors or rooms; this is a planning prompt, not an official per-person quantity.

What to look for

Look for simple controls, suitable light output, a comfortable grip and a power source you can maintain. Match spare batteries to the actual device.

A budget-friendly approach

Test the torch you own before upgrading. An additional lantern is optional.

Check what you already own

Find existing torches, check they work and put matching batteries nearby.

A charged power bank may help keep an ordinary phone usable when mains power is unavailable.

How much to consider

Start by checking a working power bank and compatible cable. Required capacity depends on phones, charge levels and use; no number of charges is guaranteed here.

What to look for

Check compatibility, reputable safety information, usable capacity and charging instructions. Keep the correct cables with it.

A budget-friendly approach

Use and recharge an existing suitable power bank rather than buying a high-capacity model by default.

Check what you already own

Test your existing bank and cables. A consumer phone power bank is not a medical-equipment contingency plan.

A radio offers another way to receive information when internet access or mobile services are interrupted.

How much to consider

Our checklist uses one working household radio as a starting point. Reception, accessible controls and a usable power source matter more than collecting features.

What to look for

Check UK broadcast reception, easy tuning, volume and battery compatibility. Test it where you expect to use it; wind-up performance varies by product.

A budget-friendly approach

A working radio already at home may be suitable. We have not tested or ranked named radios.

Check what you already own

Try your existing radio and locate its power supply or matching batteries.

A usable first-aid kit is worth locating before you need it. Check personal supplies through your usual care arrangements.

How much to consider

Review a household kit and its contents. A generic checklist cannot determine clinical quantities or medication requirements.

What to look for

Choose appropriate contents, clear instructions and an accessible container. Check packaging and expiry dates.

A budget-friendly approach

Replenish missing contents in an existing kit where appropriate, rather than replacing a complete usable kit.

Check what you already own

Find your kit and check what is missing. Seek professional advice for individual medical planning.

Interruptions to water and waste services can change everyday hygiene arrangements.

How much to consider

Plan around the people at home, including sanitary products and personal care. Additional hygiene water is separate from the drinking-water model.

What to look for

Choose items your household can use safely and follow labels. Check disposal arrangements and suitability for children or sensitive skin.

A budget-friendly approach

Use ordinary household hygiene supplies where suitable; specialist emergency branding is not a requirement.

Check what you already own

Check soap, toilet paper, sanitary products and waste bags before adding to your shop.

Warm clothing and bedding can make a home more comfortable when heating is interrupted.

How much to consider

Check that everyone has suitable layers and bedding. Needs vary with age, mobility, weather and the building.

What to look for

Choose usable, accessible layers that suit household members. Follow product safety guidance, especially for infants and anyone needing support.

A budget-friendly approach

Start with existing clothing, duvets and blankets. A new emergency blanket is not automatically necessary.

Check what you already own

Gather warm clothes and bedding you already own in a familiar location.

Feeding, changing and care routines do not stop during a disruption. These needs deserve individual planning.

How much to consider

Plan care supplies for your chosen duration using your usual routines and professional feeding advice. We do not invent infant-water or clinical requirements.

What to look for

Check suitability, safe preparation instructions and how you would manage without normal water or power supplies.

A budget-friendly approach

Use familiar supplies, keep sensible spares and avoid switching products just because they are marketed for emergencies.

Check what you already own

Check nappies, usual feeding supplies and accessible family contact information.

Pets need their usual food, water and care arrangements, with a plan for temporary changes at home.

How much to consider

Plan familiar pet food for your chosen duration and ask for appropriate advice about water and individual care. Human drinking-water totals do not include pets.

What to look for

Choose suitable food and usable storage, bowls and care items. Follow your vet’s advice for specific needs.

A budget-friendly approach

Rotate spare food through normal use instead of buying an unfamiliar emergency-only product.

Check what you already own

Check food, bowls, leads or carriers and any usual care supplies.

A plan is easier to use when contacts, information and equipment locations are familiar to everyone at home.

How much to consider

Keep one accessible household plan and suitable copies of important contacts. Decide what needs updating when people or circumstances change.

What to look for

Write down useful supplier and trusted-contact numbers. Store private documents securely and agree who can access them.

A budget-friendly approach

Print or download your free ReadyEssentials plan. Agree storage locations, check dates and practise finding supplies.

Check what you already own

Check existing documents, contact lists and a suitable small cash reserve for your circumstances. These prompts do not require a retailer purchase.