The government's Prepare site lists what every household should keep at home for an emergency lasting a few days. This is that list, in the government's own words, with what each item means in practice, what you probably already have, and what we'd pick to fill the gaps. Print it, tick off what you own, and buy only what's missing.
You don't need a bunker. The Prepare guidance says to build the kit gradually, and most homes already have half of it.
The list, sorted
| On the list | In practice | You probably have | Have it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery or wind-up torch | One per person. The guidance says torches are safer than candles. | A torch or two, with flat batteries. Check them. | |
| Portable power bank | For charging a mobile. Keep it charged, not in a drawer. | Often yes. Check it still holds a charge. | |
| Battery or wind-up radio | For updates when broadband and mobile signal let you down. Write your BBC Local Radio frequency on it. | Rarely. This is the gap most homes have. | |
| Spare batteries | For the torches and the radio, plus a backup battery for any medical equipment you rely on. | Some. Check the sizes match your torches. | |
| A first aid kit (or some first aid items) | The guidance lists waterproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape and tweezers. | Usually a few items. Check them against that list. | |
| Hand sanitiser and wet wipes | For hygiene if the water is off. | Yes. | |
| Bottled water | The guidance cites the World Health Organisation minimum of 2.5 to 3 litres per person per day, and suggests about 10 litres a day for comfort. For four people over three days, that's 30 to 36 litres at the minimum. | A few bottles. Not three days' worth. | |
| Non-perishable food | Food that needs no cooking, such as ready-to-eat tinned meat, fruit or vegetables, plus a tin opener. Include pet food. | Some tins. Count how many meals they make. | |
| Baby supplies | Nappies and formula. Ready-to-feed formula is best, because boiling water or sterilising bottles may not be possible. | If you have a baby, a few days' worth. |
Two more things from the same guidance: have enough of any medication to last several days, and write down important numbers on paper, including 105 for a power cut. If you or someone at home might need extra support, ask about the free Priority Services Register (thepsr.co.uk).
What we'd pick to fill the gaps
- Light: a Nextorch P8 torch.
- Radio and power bank in one: the Midland ER300 Pro charges by USB-C, hand crank or solar. If you want something simpler, the Midland ER100 is a hand-crank radio. Our emergency radio guide compares them.
- Water: a 10 litre collapsible jerry can and water purification tablets. Tablets treat water that exists, so store drinking water first.
- Food: ration blocks and freeze-dried pouches. Our pouches and tins guide explains the difference.
- First aid: a first aid kit. Check what's in it against the government's list above.
- Warmth: a space blanket, alongside warm clothes and blankets you already own.
We don't sell AA batteries, hand sanitiser, wet wipes or baby supplies. Any supermarket does, and they're cheaper there.
What our customers add
We looked at our own orders for the last 12 months. Of the 294 orders that included water purification tablets, 72 (24%) also added waterproof matches, 61 (21%) a collapsible jerry can, 41 (14%) a space blanket, 40 (14%) an ER100 radio and 40 (14%) a ration block. Only 15 bought the tablets on their own. Most people are building the same basic kit a piece at a time, which is exactly what the guidance suggests.
Next
If the power goes off, our guide to what to do in a three-day power cut covers the first hour, the fridge and staying safe. Not sure what you need? Ask us. We reply within 24 hours, every time.