An emergency kit helps you cope for the first hours or days of a power cut, storm, breakdown or camping mishap, before normal services are back. This checklist covers the essentials, and you can scale it up or down for your household, your vehicle or your camping trips.
Emergency kit checklist
Water and food
- Drinking water: preparedness guidance commonly recommends about one gallon (roughly four litres) per person per day, for at least three days.
- A way to treat or carry more water, such as a water filter straw and a foldable water storage bag. Always follow the maker's instructions and limits.
- Non-perishable food for at least three days, and a manual can opener if you pack tins.
Light and communication
- Torch or headlamp for each person, for example a rechargeable headlamp, plus spare batteries or a way to recharge.
- Lantern for general light, such as a camping lantern. Prefer battery lighting to candles.
- Radio that doesn't rely on the mains, such as an emergency weather radio, so you can hear alerts if phone networks are down.
First aid and warmth
- First aid kit such as a portable first aid kit. Check it regularly and replace anything used or out of date.
- Emergency blankets like the HeatShield survival blanket, plus warm clothing and a hat.
- Any essential medication and a list of important contacts.
Power and documents
- A charged power bank for your phone. See our power banks to compare capacities.
- Copies of key documents, some cash and a paper map or contact list.
- A whistle and a basic tool such as a multi-tool.
Tailor it to where you'll use it
- Home: add extra water, food, pet supplies and any items for babies or older relatives.
- Car: add a torch, warm layers, a blanket, water, snacks, a first aid kit and a phone charger.
- Camping: add shelter, a sleeping bag and a way to cook. Our camping essentials checklist covers those.
Keep your kit ready
Store it somewhere easy to reach, check it a couple of times a year, rotate food and water, and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is. Gear only helps if you know how to use it, so practise with your torch, radio and water filter before you need them.
Ready to build yours? Browse survival gear and emergency essentials.