Emergency Preparedness: What Every UK Household Needs to Know
When it comes to emergencies, many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But the reality is, emergencies happen every single day, across the UK and around the world. Recent government advice – including from the UK’s new Prepare website – highlights just how important it is for every household to prepare for emergencies.
Preparation isn’t about panic buying toilet-rolls or worst-case scenarios; it’s about taking sensible, practical steps today that could make all the difference tomorrow. Simply doing a weekly shop is a form of preparing.
Why Prepare?
Emergencies come in many forms. Severe weather, flooding, power cuts, fires, cyber incidents, disease outbreaks, terrorism, and even water or phone outages can occur without warning. Some emergencies are over quickly; others can last for days, weeks or longer.
And crucially, emergencies can cause knock-on effects. A storm could cause a power cut, which could lead to water outages or communication blackouts. Being prepared for one event often helps you cope with several others.
Governments across Europe, the UK and the USA recommend that households have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours (three days). This allows emergency services to prioritise those in greatest need.
What Should Be in Your Emergency Kit?
You can prepare for emergencies by building an emergency kit. These don’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, you probably already have many of the recommended items around your home. Here’s what you should consider including:
Water
Water is essential. The World Health Organisation recommends at least 2.5-3 litres per person per day for drinking, with up to 10 litres if you include cooking and hygiene needs. If you have babies, pets, or medical needs, you’ll need more. Storing bottled water or having water purification methods is strongly advised.
Food
Non-perishable, easy-to-eat food is a must. Stock up on items like tinned meats, fruits, vegetables, energy bars, and UHT milk. Don’t forget a manual can opener if you’ll need to open tins! Include food for pets and ensure you rotate supplies regularly to keep them fresh.
Lighting
Power cuts can leave you in the dark. Battery-powered or wind-up torches are much safer than candles. Remember to have spare batteries!
Communication
Staying informed is vital during an emergency. Have a battery-powered or wind-up radio to get news updates. A mobile phone with a portable power bank will also be essential.
First Aid
A basic first aid kit could be lifesaving. Include the basics such as plasters, bandages, antiseptics (wipes and ointments (no, we don’t normally recommend these on our first aid courses), wound dressings, sterile gloves, a thermometer, and eyewash. Learning basic first aid skills is a real advantage — consider taking a first aid course if you haven’t already. Our Family First Aid e-learning course would be a good starting point before moving onto the more serious courses.
Hygiene and Sanitation
Keeping clean helps prevent illness. Stock up on hand sanitiser, wet wipes, rubbish bags, soap, and disinfecting wipes. Don’t forget feminine hygiene products as well.
Tools and Safety Items
Some handy extras can make all the difference:
- Manual tin can opener
- Dust mask (ideally FFP3, with spares for each member of your family & remember to be clean shaven to get a proper seal)
- Duct tape & plastic sheeting
- Whistle
- Fire extinguisher
- Waterproof matches
A multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife is a great addition to a grab-and-go bag too. Don’t forget to make sure that the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your house work as well!
Clothing and Shelter
Pack for warmth and resilience. You may be thinking of creating a grab-and-go bag, or a car bag, in which case sleeping bags or warm blankets, spare clothes suitable for your local weather, and sturdy shoes are a must. Prepare for emergencies on the road by having a car bag and don’t forget to include high-vis jackets and insulating blankets.
Personal and Medical Needs
Tailor your kit to your family:
- Prescription medicines
- Over-the-counter medications (pain relief, diarrhoea tablets, etc.)
- Glasses and contact lens solution
- Baby supplies (nappies, formula)
- Pet food and water
Documents and Money
When systems are down, cash is king. Keep cash on hand, plus paper copies of key documents like insurance policies, ID, and bank details in a waterproof folder. Don’t forget to write down important phone numbers on paper too.
Comfort and Entertainment
Especially important for children, pack books, puzzles, games, paper, and pencils to help pass the time.
Building a Grab-and-Go Bag
Sometimes you might need to leave your home quickly – for example, during a flood evacuation. A ‘grab-and-go’ bag should be small, portable, and packed with essentials like a torch, chargers, snacks, water, medication, and important documents. Store it somewhere easy to reach, ideally near your front door.
Don’t Forget Your Car Kit!
If you’re caught out on the road, a few simple supplies in your car boot can be lifesaving:
- Warm clothing and blankets
- High-visibility jacket
- Snacks and water
- Shovel (especially in winter)
- First aid kit
Beyond the Kit: A Holistic Approach to Preparedness
Be Informed
Know the risks specific to your area (flooding, power cuts, etc.). Sign up for local emergency alerts and warnings, where possible. Learn basic first aid and keep a list of emergency contacts handy. If eligible, register with your utility providers’ Priority Service Registers to get extra support during outages.
Make a Plan
Discuss escape routes and meeting points with your family. Make sure everyone knows how to call 999 and knows their home address. Download and complete a household emergency plan. Here’s an alternative template.
Prepare Your Home
Simple steps like checking your smoke alarms monthly and knowing how to turn off your utilities can make a big difference. Review your insurance policies. If you live in a flood-risk area, take extra precautions.
Talk to Others
Community resilience strengthens personal resilience. Share plans with neighbours. Set up a local instant messaging group. Be ready to offer (and receive) help.
Final Thoughts
Building an emergency kit and being prepared isn’t about fear – it’s about confidence. Taking a few simple steps now will mean that you and your loved ones will be safer, calmer, and better equipped to handle whatever comes your way.
Start small. Build steadily. Review your plan annually and when changes to your circumstances happen. Preparedness is peace of mind you can hold onto, whatever happens.