In the event that you may have to leave your home quickly, it is important to have basic necessities to hand. The emergency services might not be able to reach you straight away and you may have to support yourself and your family for some time.
These are some of the items that can be included, although these will vary according to individual needs.
For the home
- First aid kit
- Torch and batteries or a wind-up torch.
- Portable radio and batteries or a wind-up radio.
- Waterproof bag for important documents including passports, driving licence, important medical information.
- Prescription medication.
- Basic toiletries including soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brush.
- Bottled water and tinned food.
- Warm clothes.
- Mobile phone and charger and fully charged power bank.
- Note pad and pens.
- If you have young children and babies include their food, snacks bottles and favourite toys .
- A checklist of what to do before you leave - such as turn off the gas and electricity at the mains, close windows and ensure all doors are locked.
Year-round essentials
- A fully charged mobile phone and charger.
- A wind-up radio or battery operated radio and batteries.
- An in-car phone charger or power pack.
- Sunglasses.
- Prescription glasses for reading or driving.
- Personal medication.
- First aid kit.
- A road atlas of the UK.
- Street map of your local town or city.
Winter emergency kit
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- A mobile phone and in car charger
- Copy of your car insurance documents and recovery service.
- A blanket, rug or sleeping bag
- Shovel
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and batteries
- Snacks – chocolate or cereal bars
- Extra screenwash
- Sturdy and waterproof footwear
- Coat, hat, scarf, gloves