Emergency kit UK: what official guidance says to keep at home
Independent guide. UK Be Ready is an independent website. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or part of the UK Government, GOV.UK or the official Be Ready campaign. For official guidance visit beready.campaign.gov.uk.
This page summarises the UK Government Be Ready checklist, published in October 2026, in plain English, and adds notes from an independent point of view. Check the official page for the latest version.
| Official category | What to have | Our note |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Bottled water, 3 litres per person per day | Store more if you can: cooking and washing need extra. |
| Food | Non-perishable food for 3 days | Prioritise no-cook food. See how to stock up. |
| Hygiene | Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, bathroom products | Wipes save water when supply is limited. |
| Light and warmth | Torch and spare batteries; blankets and warm clothing | Torches are safer than candles. Add a lantern for the main room. |
| Communication | Battery or wind-up FM radio; charged power bank | Write down station frequencies. |
| Money and documents | Cash; copies of ID and documents; phone numbers | Keep them in a waterproof wallet. |
| Medical | First aid kit; essential medication | Request repeat prescriptions up to 5 working days ahead. |
| Baby and pets | Ready-to-feed formula, nappies, wipes; pet food and water | Ready-to-feed formula avoids needing boiled water. |
Frequently asked questions
What does the UK Government say to keep in an emergency kit?
The UK Government's Be Ready checklist lists bottled water (3 litres per person per day), non-perishable food for 3 days, hand sanitiser, wet wipes and bathroom products, a torch and spare batteries, blankets and warm clothing, a battery or wind-up FM radio, a charged power bank, cash, copies of documents, important phone numbers, a first aid kit, essential medication, and baby and pet supplies.
Is there an official UK government emergency kit to buy?
No. The UK Government publishes a checklist but does not sell or endorse a kit. Any ready-made emergency kit, including the Home Prep Kit, is a private product; check it against the official checklist.
What is the difference between a home emergency kit and a grab bag?
A home emergency kit is for staying at home through a power cut or disruption, so it focuses on light, warmth, power and food. A grab bag is a small bag to take with you if you have to leave home quickly.
Updated 2026-10-28. Source: UK Government Be Ready checklist.