Water
☐Drinking water6 US gallons
Safe water comes first when taps stop working or supplies are disrupted.
Must-haves
1 US gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Pets and additional needs are not included.
Baseline amounts are not personalised. Heat, health needs, and pets may require more water; follow local guidance.
☐Refillable water container1 container
A refillable container is useful when you store and rotate your own safe water.
Nice-to-haves
An empty container does not count towards your drinking-water supply. Choose a size you can lift when full.
Food & cooking
☐Ready-to-eat food6 person-days
Familiar, shelf-stable food keeps meals simple without refrigeration or cooking.
Must-haves
One person-day is one person’s full day of familiar food. Account for diet and energy needs.
☐Manual can opener1 opener
Tinned food is only useful if you can open it without electricity.
Useful extras
☐Eating utensils2 sets
Make sure you can eat the food you have actually packed.
Useful extras · Only if relevant: If your chosen food needs utensils.
Light & power
☐LED lantern1 lantern
Light a shared space without using everybody’s handheld light.
Nice-to-haves
Avoid fuel-burning lanterns indoors. Check runtime and charging needs.
☐LED flashlight2 lights
Reliable light helps you move around safely when the power is out.
Must-haves
A torch is safer than a candle. Never use a combustion appliance indoors for light or heat.
☐Spare batteries3 spare sets
A spare set keeps your lights and radio useful for longer.
Useful extras
☐Charged power bank1 power bank
Keep your phone available for messages, information, and important calls.
Must-haves
A phone power bank is not automatically suitable for medical equipment. Arrange an appropriate backup with your equipment provider.
☐Charging cable1 compatible cable
The right cable makes a backup battery useful.
Must-haves
☐USB wall charger1 charger
Recharge phones and power banks while mains power is available.
Useful extras
☐Larger backup battery1 power station
A power station can run suitable plug-in equipment that a phone power bank cannot.
Nice-to-haves
Not for life-sustaining equipment. Ask your care provider and equipment maker about other medical use and backup support. Keep dry and ventilated; never feed power into a household socket.
☐Battery radio + NOAA alerts1 radio
Get reliable updates if mobile networks or internet access are unavailable.
Useful extras
Warmth & shelter
☐Warm blanket or sleeping bag2 blankets
An unheated home or stopped vehicle can get cold quickly.
Must-haves
☐Warm clothing2 sets
Extra layers help you stay comfortable without normal heating.
Must-haves
Clothing & protective equipment
☐N95 respirators1 household fit and supply plan
If smoke or dust is a local risk, plan exposure avoidance and properly fitted particle protection.
Nice-to-haves · Only if relevant: If particle pollution is a relevant local hazard; fit and approval matter.
Particle filters do not supply oxygen or protect against carbon monoxide, all gases or vapours. Not for entering a fire, unsafe building or contaminated atmosphere. Facial hair can break the seal. Adult fit is not child fit; no masks for under-twos. Seek individual advice for breathing/heart conditions.
First aid & health
☐First aid kit1 kit
Keep basic supplies together for minor injuries.
Must-haves
Supplies do not replace first aid training or professional medical care.
☐Medication1 personal supply
Plan ahead so essential treatment and everyday care are not interrupted.
Must-haves
Do not change doses, share prescriptions, or stockpile medication against professional advice. No medical details are stored here.
☐First aid guide1 reference
Keep trusted instructions usable when your phone has no signal or power.
Useful extras
A guide does not replace training or emergency medical help. Do not attempt procedures beyond your training; follow emergency-service instructions.
Hygiene & sanitation
☐Hand hygiene supplies1 household supply
Keep hands clean when normal washing facilities are limited.
Must-haves
☐Waste & bathroom supplies1 household supply
A simple sanitation plan makes a water or power interruption more manageable.
Useful extras
☐Waste bags1 small supply
Keep rubbish and used supplies contained until they can be disposed of safely.
Useful extras
Keep bags away from children and faces; never put them over a person. Do not flush wipes or bags, burn plastic or handle hazardous waste without appropriate qualified help.
Navigation & communication
☐Emergency contacts1 contact card
Important numbers should not depend on a charged phone.
Must-haves
☐Local map1 map
Know where to go if navigation apps are unavailable.
Useful extras
Documents & planning
☐Cash1 household check
Card terminals and cash machines may not work during an outage.
Useful extras
☐Document copies1 document set
Keep key information available even if you cannot get online.
Useful extras
☐Notebook1 notebook
Write down changing routes, instructions and useful information without a battery.
Useful extras
☐Pencil or pen1 writing tool
A writing tool makes paper plans and notes usable away from your phone.
Useful extras
Your household
☐Offline activities1 household selection
Books, cards, and familiar games make a long interruption easier.
Nice-to-haves
☐Storage boxes1 storage unit
Keep this kit together so supplies are easy to find and check.
Nice-to-haves
Keep heavy loads manageable. Secure vehicle cargo using suitable restraints; an organiser is not a crash restraint.
☐Glasses1 personal supply
Keep everyday vision, hearing and communication support available if normal services are disrupted.
Useful extras · Only if relevant: If you use vision, hearing or communication aids.
Sources & notes
UK home water: 3 litres/person/day for drinking, plus extra for other uses. US home water: 1 US gallon/person/day for drinking and sanitation. Portable supplies are not a full day’s reserve. These are starting points, not a safety guarantee. Follow local instructions and individual care guidance.
Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov/kit (checked 2026-10-25)
CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/water-emergency/about/how-to-create-and-store-an-emergency-water-supply.html (checked 2026-10-25)
US National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm (checked 2026-10-28)
CDC / NIOSH: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2025/wildfire-smoke.html (checked 2026-10-28)
Source check dates are listed above. All requirements for the selected level are included, regardless of screen filters. Conditional rows are not a requirement to buy every item.
