How to build a 3-day emergency kit for your home

Why 3 days?

In October 2026 the UK Government launched the Be Ready campaign, asking households to be able to manage for three days if everyday services such as power, water or phone networks are disrupted.

You don’t need to buy everything at once. The campaign suggests checking what you already have, then building your kit gradually and reviewing it every six months.

The essentials

• Water: about 3 litres per person per day for drinking, plus extra for cooking and washing.
• Food: non-perishable food that needs no fridge or cooking, such as tinned meat, fish or vegetables, dried fruit and nuts – and a tin opener.
• Light: a torch with spare batteries (safer than candles).
• Information: an FM radio that runs on batteries or a wind-up crank.
• Power: a charged power bank for phones or compatible medical devices.
• Health: a first aid kit (plasters, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash, sterile dressings, gloves, medical tape and tweezers) and your essential medication.
• Hygiene: hand sanitiser, wet wipes and bathroom products.
• Warmth: blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing.
• Money and documents: cash in coins and notes, copies of IDs and insurance details, important phone numbers and a list of medication and doses.
• Extras for your household: baby formula and nappies, pet food and water.

See the Home Ready Bundle

Where to keep it

Keep your kit together in one easy-to-reach place that everyone at home knows about, such as a cupboard near the front door. Many people also keep a smaller grab bag ready in case they need to leave home quickly, with documents, cash, medication, spare glasses and a power bank.

See the Document & Passport Pouch

Keep it ready

• Set a reminder to check your kit every six months.
• Charge your radio, torch and power bank, and check battery dates.
• Rotate food and water before their best-before dates.
• Update phone numbers and medication lists.