The core categories
Water
Plan for three days. Current Be Ready guidance uses 3 litres per person per day for drinking, with more needed for cooking and washing.
Food
Keep non-perishable food that does not depend on refrigeration or cooking. Choose food you would normally eat and build the buffer gradually through normal shopping.
Light + warmth
Keep a torch and suitable spare batteries accessible, plus blankets, sleeping bags or warm clothing. Be Ready notes that torches are safer than candles.
Communication + information
A charged power bank, written contact numbers and a battery or wind-up radio can reduce dependence on mains power and connected devices.
Medicines + household needs
Plan for prescriptions, medical devices, baby supplies, pet needs and any other household-specific dependencies.
Money + documents
Keep essential information accessible offline. Current guidance also suggests considering some cash in case electronic payments or ATMs are disrupted.
Check what you already own first, then fill genuine gaps gradually. The useful plan is the one matched to your household.
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