Independent UK preparedness guides for power cuts, storms, flooding and everyday disruption. Make a household emergency plan, understand your essentials and take the next useful step.
Every guide links to its official sources and relevant equipment categories. Check what you already own before buying.
A three-day emergency kit, sometimes called a 72-hour kit, starts with the people in your UK household. Plan everyday supplies, useful equipment and personal needs before buying.
Read the guide 3 minStart with the things your household needs to do when mains electricity is unavailable. Plan the task first, then check whether your equipment can actually support it.
Read the guide 2 minThe useful first question is local: what could disrupt this home, this journey and the people you support? Use official forecasts and warnings to guide the next step.
Read the guide 2 minKeep this part of the plan separate from shopping for equipment. A water container, cooking item or emergency bundle does not itself provide your household’s food and drinking water.
Read the guide 3 minThe checklist tells you what to check. A household emergency plan records who will do what, where useful things are kept and how you will find reliable information.
Read the guide 2 minKnowing where to look is useful preparation. Decide which official sources cover your home and how you would receive information if the usual connection were unavailable.
Read the guide 2 minFor a UK power cut, choose a power bank around the phone or device you need to charge. Capacity, charging output and the cable connection are separate checks; plan each one before buying.
Read the guide 3 minPreparedness is different for every household. Start with everyday routines, the people who need support and the arrangements that already work well.
Read the guide 2 minBuild a three-day emergency kit gradually, make a household emergency plan and account for food, water, light, warmth, communication, money, documents and personal needs.
Plan your essentialsCheck the risks where you are, know your official alert services and prepare for power cuts, water supply interruptions, severe weather and phone or broadband outages.
Find trusted informationAgree support with neighbours, find extra help through the Priority Services Register or local equivalents, and use safe, organised volunteering arrangements.
Plan with other peopleFor specialist risks, follow the government’s dedicated guidance. These links open the official campaign, rather than a Be Readyford shopping guide.