Create an emergency kit
When preparing for a possible emergency situation, an emergency kit or 'grab bag' that you can easily take with you is useful.
Recommended items to include in a basic emergency kit
- Water for drinking and sanitation
- Food at least three days鈥� supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered radio and extra batteries or wind-up radio
- Torch and extra batteries (or wind up type)
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Wet wipes, rubbish/bin bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Tin opener for food (if kit contains tinned food)
- Prescription medications and glasses if required
Additional items for a kit:
- Infant formula milk and disposable nappies and nappy sacks if required
- Pet care items if required
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, passports, National Insurance numbers, NHS numbers and bank account records in a waterproof container
- Cash
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; consider additional bedding during winter
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved top, trousers and sturdy shoes; consider additional clothing during winter
- Water purification tablets
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items if required
- Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
Make a kit for your pets
Your pet emergency kit should include:
- Pet food and treats
- Drinkable water in plastic bottles
- Can opener for canned food
- Pet medications and medical records in a waterproof container
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers so you can move your pets safely and they can鈥檛 escape (remember they may be scared and may act differently from usual)
- Current photos of your pet in case they get lost
- The name of your veterinarian
- All your pets should have an identification tag and collar
For more information on preparing for emergencies such as flooding or other county risks .