When the power cuts, the water stops, or the shelves thin out — be the household that's ready.
The UK household preparedness guide — built on the government's own guidance and live national data.
The official kit, sorted for you
The Government's Prepare campaign recommends nine things every home should keep. We explain each — and test the best products for the job, at every budget.
Bottled water
2.5–3L per person per day minimum — 10L to be comfortable.
Ready-to-eat food
Non-perishable, no cooking needed. Don't forget the tin opener.
Torch (not candles)
Battery or wind-up. Safer than flames, per official guidance.
Battery / wind-up radio
Your update line when power and mobile networks are down.
Power bank
Keep phones alive for calls, torches and information.
First aid kit
Plasters, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic, dressings.
Hygiene basics
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for when the water's off.
Baby & pet supplies
Nappies, ready-to-feed formula, and food for animals.
Grab bag
A spare bag with essentials, ready if you must leave fast.
Source: GOV.UK Prepare campaign. 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.
The £30 supermarket 72-hour kit
A genuine three-day emergency kit from one supermarket shop, for about thirty pounds — what to buy, what it costs, and the two upgrades worth making later.
Preparing for winter storms & power cuts
How UK storm warnings work, what Arwen and Éowyn taught households, and the short pre-storm checklist that matters — sourced to the Met Office and Ofgem.
How to prepare for food shortages in the UK
What UK food security actually looks like, why shelves occasionally gap, and the calm two-week larder that makes shortages a non-event — sourced to Defra and the ONS.
The Blackout Briefing
One email when it actually matters: severe weather inbound, live incidents, recalls, and genuine kit price drops. No noise. Free forever.