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Everything we track, narrowed to your postcode: power cuts, weather and flood warnings and fuel near you. One calm screen, and an alert when something actually affects your home.

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The official kit, sorted for you

The essentials the government's Be Ready checklist asks every home to keep, each with our top pick from its comparison. Tap the item to see them all.

Full guide + printable checklist →
Bottled water

3L per person per day to drink, for 3 days (Be Ready). More to cook and wash.

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Ready-to-eat food

Non-perishable, no cooking needed. Don't forget the tin opener.

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Torch (not candles) Nitecore NU25 Head Torch
Our top pick
Nitecore NU25 Head Torch
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Compare 15 →
Battery / wind-up radio Sangean MMR-99 AM/FM Multi-Powered Emergency Radio (IP55, Bluetooth)
Our top pick
Sangean MMR-99 AM/FM Multi-Powered Emergency Radio (IP55, Bluetooth)
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Compare 43 →
Power bank INIU B5 20000mAh Power Bank
Our top pick
INIU B5 20000mAh Power Bank
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Compare 14 →
First aid kit Steroplast 70 Piece First Aid Kit
Our top pick
Steroplast 70 Piece First Aid Kit
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Compare 5 →
Hygiene basics

Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and bathroom products, for when the water's off.

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Baby supplies

Nappies, ready-to-feed formula, and a way to sterilise without power.

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Pet supplies

Food, bottled water and any medicines for your animals.

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Grab bag

A spare bag with essentials, ready if you must leave fast.

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As an Amazon Associate, PreparedBritain earns from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission when you buy, or a fee when you request a quote, through our links. When two products are close, commission can decide which one we pick. A clearly better product always wins. Amazon prices come from Amazon's own product data and show the date and time they were retrieved. Prices at other retailers are checked by us, less often. Prices and stock can change at any time, so always check the retailer's price before you buy.

Source: the GOV.UK Be Ready checklist (22 October 2026). PreparedBritain is independent and not affiliated with HM Government.

Guides & explainers

Calm, sourced answers to the questions that matter — every claim traces to official guidance.

All guides →
News · Health

Yellow cold-health alert for North East, North West and Yorkshire and The Humber, 15 to 19 Nov

UKHSA has issued a yellow cold-health alert for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and The Humber, from 9pm on 15 November to 9am on 19 November. What it means, who it is for, the NHS advice, and the help with heating costs.

News · Fact-check

Could UK flights be grounded like the US? What failed in 2023, 2025 and 2026, and what to carry

After the US ground stop of 13 November: UK air traffic control has failed before, in August 2023, July 2025 and twice in September 2026. What failed, how many flights were hit, what has changed, and what to pack for a long wait.

News · Travel

US flights grounded: your rights if your flight to or from America was cancelled or delayed

The FAA issued a nationwide ground stop for all US airports on 13 November. What UK law gives you if your flight to or from America was cancelled or delayed: a refund or another flight, care while you wait, and why compensation is less likely.

News · Fact-check

What is the conscription age in the UK? What has been said, and what the age rules mean

There is no conscription age in the UK because there is no conscription. The real age limits are for volunteers joining the forces, and a recall age of 65 in a Bill that covers only people who have served.

News · Fact-check

Is the government giving out free survival kits? No, but the checklist and some help are free

People are searching for free government survival kits. The Be Ready campaign gives households a free checklist and advice, not a kit. Here is what the government actually provides, the free help that is real, such as the Priority Services Register, and how to build three days of supplies without a big shop.

News · Fact-check

Will energy bills come down? What Ofgem's price cap and the Budget's standing-charge change say

Not on the official record so far. Ofgem's cap rose 4% in October and January's level isn't set yet. The Budget adds a £100 payment in England and keeps 0% VAT on electricity, and moves the gas standing charge into unit prices from late 2027. What it means for one home's winter.

Seen a scary headline? We check the viral ones against what was actually said.Headlines checked →

Best kit, compared and price-checked

Every recommendation is checked against at least two independent sources, with UK prices re-checked on a schedule — and we say plainly when not to buy.

All 135 comparisons →

Emergency radios

Wind-up, battery and DAB emergency radios compared for UK power cuts: what a crank really gives, FM vs DAB a…

Sangean MMR-99 AM/FM Multi-Powered Emergency Radio (IP55, Bluetooth)
Top pick: Sangean MMR-99 AM/FM Multi-Powered Emergency Radio (IP55, Bluetooth)
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
See all 43 compared →

Torches & radios

Wind-up, rechargeable and battery torches and lanterns for a UK power cut, compared on brightness, power sou…

Fenix PD36R V2.0 Tactical Torch
Top pick: Fenix PD36R V2.0 Tactical Torch
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
See all 20 compared →

Jump starters

NOCO, CTEK, Ring and GOOLOO jump starters compared on the engines they honestly start — not inflated peak-am…

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter
Top pick: NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Jump Starter
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
See all 20 compared →

Power stations

Keep the fridge, wifi and phones running in a blackout — the best UK power stations, compared on price and c…

BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station
Top pick: BLUETTI Elite 100 V2 Portable Power Station
See all 25 compared →

Keeping warm without power

Hot water bottles, wool and down blankets, thermal layers and heated throws — how to stay warm in a winter p…

ZOVEXA 2L Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover
Top pick: ZOVEXA 2L Hot Water Bottle with Knitted Cover
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
See all 7 compared →

Carbon monoxide alarms

FireAngel, Aico, Kidde and more — CO alarms compared on sensor life, standards and display, so you buy one t…

FireAngel FA3322 10-Year Digital Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Top pick: FireAngel FA3322 10-Year Digital Carbon Monoxide Alarm
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
See all 9 compared →

Winter driving kit

The winter car kit compared: scraper, de-icer, roof brush, jump leads, blanket, torch, snow socks and shovel…

Autoglym Ultimate Screenwash, Concentrated 500ml
Top pick: Autoglym Ultimate Screenwash, Concentrated 500ml
as of 15 Nov 2026, 11:07 GMT · DetailsProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
See all 30 compared →

Emergency food

UK emergency food supplies and kits, compared on calories, shelf life and cost per adult per day — how long …

ReadyWise 60-Serving Lunch & Dinner Bucket
Top pick: ReadyWise 60-Serving Lunch & Dinner Bucket
See all 23 compared →

Dehumidifiers

Meaco, EcoAir and Pro Breeze dehumidifiers compared and price-tracked for UK homes — including which ones wo…

MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier
Top pick: MeacoDry Arete One 12L Dehumidifier & Air Purifier
See all 14 compared →
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