Emergency Kit UK: What the Government Recommends Keeping at Home for 72 Hours

Power cuts, water outages, storms and severe flooding can leave any UK household without essential services – sometimes for days. That’s why the UK Government’s Be Ready campaign encourages every home to be self-sufficient for at least 3 days while emergency services focus on those most in need. The good news? Building an emergency kit is simpler than you might think, and you probably already have some of the essentials in your cupboards.

In this guide, we explain what the government recommends for a 72 hour emergency kit, how to build a home emergency kit step by step, how it differs from an emergency grab bag, and where to buy reliable emergency supplies in the UK – from water and long-life food to a wind-up emergency radio and torch.

What Does the UK Government Recommend for a 72-Hour Emergency Kit?

The UK Government’s official Be Ready campaign advises every household to be prepared to manage on its own for 3 days during an emergency such as a power cut, water outage, flooding or extreme weather. Being self-sufficient for 72 hours means emergency responders can focus on the people who need help most urgently. The government’s checklist covers seven key areas: water, food, hygiene, light and warmth, communication, money and documents, and medical supplies – plus extras for babies and pets where needed.

Importantly, you don’t need to buy everything at once. The government recommends starting by checking what you already have at home, noting what your household is missing (for example medication, baby formula or pet food), and adding an item or two during your regular shopping to spread the cost. Once your kit is ready, review it every six months to replace anything past its expiry date.

72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist

Category	Items to check off
Water	3-day supply of bottled waterPlan for at least 3 litres per person each day just for drinking – cooking and washing will need more on top. Water purification tablets or a water filterA lightweight backup if your stored water runs out or the tap supply becomes unsafe.
Food	3 days of long-life foodChoose products that don’t need chilling, such as tinned fish, meat and vegetables, nuts or dried fruit. Freeze-dried meals, military ration packs and emergency food bars are a great addition – they’re light, compact and keep for years.
Medical and health	Essential medication and medical suppliesDon’t wait until your last pack – request repeat prescriptions up to 5 working days ahead so you’re never caught short. First aid kitA ready-made kit saves time. Make sure it includes plasters, bandages, sterile dressings and tape, antiseptic, eyewash, disposable gloves, tweezers and a thermometer.
Light and warmth	Torch or head torch with spare batteriesFar safer than candles. A head torch keeps your hands free, while a rechargeable or power-bank torch doubles as a backup charger. Sleeping bags, blankets and warm layersOnce the heating stops, indoor temperatures can drop within hours. Thermal (foil) blankets and chemical hand warmers take up almost no space.
Communication and information	Wind-up or battery-powered emergency radioYour lifeline for official updates when mobile networks or the internet fail. Models with a built-in torch, solar panel or USB charging are especially handy. Note down your go-to news station frequencies in advance. Charged power bankKeeps phones – and any compatible medical devices – running.
Money and documents	Cash and cardsStore some coins and notes in case cash machines and card readers go offline. The right amount depends on what your household needs day to day. Copies of important documentsKeep paper copies of passports, birth certificates, insurance details and user guides for medical equipment – ideally in a waterproof document pouch. Written list of contacts and medicationPhone numbers of family, friends and vulnerable neighbours you may need to check on, together with details of regular medicines and doses.
Tools	Multitool or pocket knifeOpens tins and packaging, cuts cord and handles small repairs in one compact tool.
Hygiene	Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and toiletriesHelps you stay clean if the water supply is cut off.
Baby products	Ready-to-feed formulaA safer choice than powder, which requires boiled water you may not have. Nappies and wipes
Pet products	Food and water for petsMake sure your animals are covered for the full 3 days too.

How to Build a Home Emergency Kit – Essential Supplies Explained

The government checklist tells you what to keep at home – but choosing the right kit makes a real difference when the power goes out or the taps run dry. Below, we explain what to look for in each category and why certain items are worth investing in. A good home emergency kit doesn’t need to be expensive, but every item in it should be reliable, easy to use and ready when you need it.

Water and food

Water is the single most important part of your emergency supplies. Storing bottled water is the simplest option – check the best-before dates and rotate your stock every six months. For extra security, add water purification tablets or a portable water filter. They take up very little space and allow you to make tap water safe if the supply becomes contaminated, which can happen after flooding. Collapsible water containers and hydration reservoirs are also handy for storing extra water when a supply interruption is announced.

When it comes to food, the key is long shelf life and minimal preparation. Tinned food is a good start, but freeze-dried meals are one of the smartest additions to an emergency kit UK households can make. They are lightweight, compact, keep for years and only need hot (or in some cases cold) water to prepare. Military ration packs and emergency food bars from the long-life food range are another great choice – many contain a complete, calorie-dense meal in a single sealed pack. To heat food and water without electricity, consider a compact gas stove or solid fuel cooker from the camp kitchen range, along with a mess tin and spork.

Safety tipAlways use gas stoves and solid fuel cookers outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

Freeze-dried meals for a 72-hour emergency kit — Freeze-dried meals are lightweight, compact and easy to store – a practical addition to a 72-hour emergency kit

Emergency radio

During a widespread power cut, mobile networks and internet access can fail within hours, leaving the radio as your most dependable source of official information and local updates. That’s why an emergency radio is one of the essentials the government recommends.

When choosing an emergency radio UK users should look for a model with FM reception (and ideally AM/DAB), plus more than one power source. The most practical options combine a hand crank (wind-up dynamo), a solar panel and battery or USB charging, so you’re never left without power. Many emergency radios also feature a built-in torch, an SOS alarm and a USB output to top up your phone. Check the radio before storing it and write down your local station frequencies on a piece of paper kept with your kit.

Portable emergency radio for power cuts — A portable emergency radio helps you stay informed during power cuts, even when mobile networks and internet access are disrupted

Light and power

A reliable light source is essential – and far safer than candles, which are a fire risk. A good LED torch offers long battery life and plenty of brightness for moving safely around the house. A head torch is particularly useful because it keeps your hands free for cooking, caring for children or dealing with repairs. For lighting a whole room, battery-powered lamps and lanterns work better than a single beam.

Think about power as well. A fully charged power bank keeps your phone running for several days, while rechargeable torches and torches with a built-in power bank combine two functions in one device. Store spare batteries that match all your devices and check them regularly. Glow sticks are a cheap, safe backup – especially for children.

Olight ArkPro LED torch – Class 1, cool white, matte black, 1500 lumens — A reliable LED torch, such as the Olight ArkPro, provides essential lighting during power cuts – from checking the fuse box to moving safely around the home

First aid kit

During an emergency, getting medical help may take longer than usual, so a well-equipped first aid kit is a must. A ready-made first aid kit is the easiest option, as it comes neatly organised and contains all the basics. Look for a durable, water-resistant case with clearly labelled compartments, so you can find what you need quickly.

Check that your kit includes plasters, bandages, sterile dressings, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, disposable gloves, scissors and tweezers. It’s worth adding a foil thermal blanket, which helps prevent hypothermia, and a supply of any personal medication. Check the kit every six months and replace anything used or out of date.

Staying warm

In the UK, many emergencies – from winter storms to network failures – happen in cold weather. Without heating, a home can become uncomfortably cold within a few hours, which is particularly dangerous for older people, babies and anyone with health conditions.

A good-quality sleeping bag is one of the most effective ways to keep warm – choose one with a comfort temperature suited to unheated indoor conditions. Layering is key, so keep thermal base layers, fleeces, warm socks and hats with your kit. Chemical hand warmers and other products from the fire and warmth range provide quick, safe heat without electricity, while a thermal flask keeps drinks hot for hours.

Badger Outdoor Big Boy 1.3 L insulated flask in olive — An insulated flask, such as the Badger Outdoor Big Boy 1.3 L, keeps drinks hot for hours – a practical addition to an emergency kit during power cuts and cold weather

Cash, documents, hygiene and tools

When card terminals and cash machines go offline, cash becomes essential – keep a small amount in coins and notes for buying supplies locally. Store copies of your passport, insurance policies, emergency contacts and medication list in a waterproof pouch or organiser, so everything is protected and easy to grab.

Hygiene is easy to overlook, but it matters when water is limited. Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, toilet roll and bin bags should all be in your kit. Compact travel hygiene products such as biodegradable soap, quick-dry towels and wash wipes help you stay clean without using much water. Finally, a multitool is a small item that solves many problems – from opening tins to making simple repairs around the house.

Badger Outdoor Solid multitool in black — A compact multitool, such as the Badger Outdoor Solid, is a practical addition to an emergency kit – useful for opening packaging, cutting materials and handling small repairs

Home Emergency Kit vs Emergency Grab Bag – What’s the Difference?

Although the two are often confused, a home emergency kit and an emergency grab bag serve different purposes. A home emergency kit is designed to help you stay safely at home during a power cut, water outage or severe storm. Because it stays in one place, it can be larger and heavier, with several days’ worth of bottled water, tinned and freeze-dried food, blankets, a first aid kit and an emergency radio – usually kept in a sturdy box or cupboard.

An emergency grab bag (often called a bug out bag) is for situations when you’re asked to leave home quickly, for example due to flooding, a fire or a gas leak. It needs to be compact, light and ready to go at a moment’s notice. A typical grab bag contains water and a water filter, high-energy food, a compact first aid kit, a head torch, a power bank, copies of important documents, cash, a change of clothes, a waterproof jacket and a multitool. The Be Ready campaign also suggests keeping a spare bag with essentials in case you need to evacuate.

Best practiceIdeally, every household should have both: a home kit to shelter in place, and a grab bag by the front door.

If you’d rather not assemble one yourself, browse our range of ready-made bug out bags with equipment or choose a durable backpack to build your own. For a full packing list, see our guide Bug Out Bag – A Complete List of Equipment for a Crisis.

Emergency Kit UK – Frequently Asked Questions

What should be in a 72-hour emergency kit?

A 72-hour emergency kit should cover your household’s basic needs for three days without electricity, running water or access to shops. The essentials are bottled water, long-life food, a torch with spare batteries, a wind-up or battery-powered radio, a first aid kit, essential medication, warm blankets, cash, copies of important documents and hygiene products. Add baby or pet supplies if needed.

How much water do I need for 72 hours?

The UK Government recommends at least 3 litres of drinking water per person per day – so 9 litres per person for three days. A family of four needs around 36 litres just for drinking. Keep extra water for cooking and basic hygiene, and consider water purification tablets or a filter as a backup.

What food should I keep in an emergency kit?

Choose food that has a long shelf life and doesn’t need refrigeration or cooking, such as tinned fish, meat and vegetables, nuts, dried fruit and energy bars. Freeze-dried meals and military ration packs are ideal because they’re light, compact and last for years. Stick to food your family actually likes eating.

Do I need an emergency radio for power cuts?

Yes – a radio is one of the most important items in any home emergency kit. During a long power cut, mobile networks and the internet may stop working, while radio broadcasts continue to provide official updates. A wind-up or solar emergency radio works without mains power or batteries, and many models can also charge your phone.

What is the difference between an emergency kit and a survival kit?

An emergency kit is designed to help your household cope at home during disruption such as power cuts, flooding or storms. A survival kit is usually smaller and more outdoor-focused, containing items like a fire starter, compass, emergency blanket, knife and signalling whistle. In the UK, a survival kit is often kept in a car, backpack or grab bag rather than at home.

Should I prepare an emergency grab bag?

It’s a good idea, especially if you live in an area at risk of flooding. A grab bag holds the essentials you’d need if you were asked to leave home quickly – water, snacks, a torch, a first aid kit, medication, documents, cash and a phone charger. Keep it near the front door so it’s easy to take with you.

How often should I check my emergency supplies?

Check your emergency supplies at least every six months. Replace food, water and medication that are close to their expiry date, test torches and radios, recharge power banks and update your kit if your household’s needs have changed – for example, after the birth of a baby or getting a pet.

Do I need to buy a ready-made emergency kit?

No – you can build your kit gradually using items you already have at home and adding a few things during regular shopping trips. However, a ready-made kit or bug out bag with equipment can save time and ensures nothing important is missing. Many people combine both approaches, starting with a ready-made set and adding personal items.

Where to Buy Emergency Kit Essentials in the UK? Explore MILITARY

Building a home emergency kit doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with what you already have and add a few items at a time. Step by step, your household will become ready for power cuts, water outages and severe weather.

At MILITARY, you’ll find a wide range of reliable emergency supplies in one place. Browse torches and head torches, emergency radios, long-life and freeze-dried food, first aid kits and a dedicated selection of power cut essentials. You can also choose a ready-made bug out bag with equipment if you prefer a complete solution.

Be ready before the next emergency: explore the full range at MILITARY and start building your emergency kit today.