The complete UK 72-hour emergency kit

A sensible 72-hour kit isn't a bunker. It's a stash of essentials that helps your household cope if power, water, shops or phone services are disrupted for a few days. UK Government and British Red Cross advice focuses on small, practical steps and making use of what you already own.

What to put in it

• Drinking water: around three litres per person per day, or nine litres per person for three days.
• Ready-to-eat food, supplies for babies and pets as needed, and a manual tin opener.
• A working torch, spare batteries, a charged power bank and a battery or wind-up radio.
• Necessary medicines, first-aid supplies, hygiene items, warm layers and a blanket.
• Paper contact numbers, copies of key documents and a small amount of cash.

Adapt it to your household

Children, pets, disability, caring responsibilities and equipment needing electricity all change your priorities. Plan for your actual needs. Rotate food, keep medicines in accordance with storage instructions and choose a location everyone knows.

Start for free

Use our 72-hour kit checklist and free tasks first. Then check equipment categories only for genuine gaps. You don't need to buy everything at once.

Read the British Red Cross emergency-kit guide for more detail.

Information is general preparedness guidance. During emergencies, follow official alerts and the instructions of emergency services.