Prepare your home for emergencies

Emergency supplies at home

You should aim to keep a range of supplies that can meet essential household needs for at least 3 days.

These could include:

• radio (and spare batteries) or wind-up radio
• torch (and spare batteries)
• candles and matches
• first aid kit
• details of local radio station frequencies
• copies of important documents, such as insurance policies and your household emergency plan
• bottled water and long-lasting, ready-to-eat food with a tin opener
• pet food, if needed
• spare keys to your house and vehicle
• spare glasses or contact lenses
• toiletries and prescription medicine (including for pets)
• pen and paper, penknife, and whistle
• wellies and waterproof clothing.

Additional checks to protect your home

Make sure you have household insurance that meets your needs and that you store important documents safely.

Familiarise yourself with the location of all your utility stop cocks in case you need to disconnect your water, electricity or gas supply.

If you or a member of your family has a specific health or medical problem that requires a permanent utility supply of water, gas or electricity, contact your supplier to register these details.

If you must evacuate your home

You should prepare a 'grab bag' with the items listed below ready in case you need to evacuate. 

You might need this at short notice, so you should keep the bag in a place that’s easy to reach.

Include these items in your grab bag:

• any medication you might need
• glasses or contact lenses
• first aid kit
• essential keys including house and car
• cash, credit and debit cards
• passport and any other important documents
• a change of clothing, footwear and sleeping attire
• washing, shaving and sanitary supplies
• any special items for babies, children, elderly and disabled people
• a torch, very small radio, and batteries
• mobile phone and charger
• supply of appropriate food and water
• bottle and can openers.

Make a household emergency plan

A household emergency plan is easy to make and can help you prepare for an emergency. 

Include these items in your household emergency plan:

• an emergency contact – someone who has agreed to contact you in the event of an emergency to ensure you’re okay
• important contact numbers and details – such as schools, carers, childminders, vets, workplaces, doctors, utility suppliers and any other important contact details
• meeting place details in case you and your family need to meet at a safe and suitable place – you should identify a place close to your home, and another that is further away, and ensure that everyone knows these locations
• contact details for your friends and any vulnerable people that live nearby – so you can check on them if it’s safe to do so
• any arrangements for emergencies that occur while you’re on holiday.

You should create more specific plans if you live or work near potentially dangerous places such as chemical plants or flood-prone areas.