Features / 17 September, 2026 / Christina Walter

The Government’s Prepare Campaign: What To Have Ready In An Emergency

Emergencies can happen for many reasons, from severe weather and flooding to power cuts, water outages, or communication problems. The Government’s Prepare campaign encourages households to take a few simple steps now, so they can cope more easily if something happens.

The advice is not a warning that a particular disaster is imminent. It is about being prepared for a range of possible disruptions, whether you need to stay at home for a time or leave in a hurry.

The Government’s emergency preparedness checklist

The Government’s guidance groups its advice into five areas: being informed, making a plan, preparing your home, talking to others and gathering emergency supplies. You may not be able to do everything, but many steps are simple and inexpensive.

1. Be informed

Find out about local risks, including whether your home is at risk of flooding. Read the advice for emergencies that could affect you, such as flooding or power cuts, and sign up for relevant alerts and warnings, including those for floods and severe weather.

It’s also worth learning some basic first aid. Look for free workshops, or ask whether your employer can help with the cost of a course. Check whether your workplace or volunteering organisation has a plan for contacting people during an emergency.

Finally, check whether you’re eligible to join your gas, electricity or water supplier’s Priority Services Register. Contact your suppliers directly to register or update your details.

2. Make a plan

Agree on an escape route from your home in case of fire, and discuss what to do if your home floods. Choose a meeting point in case you cannot return home. This could be a nearby community hub.

Write important phone numbers on paper and keep them somewhere easy to find. Include emergency contacts, details of any regular medication, local and national radio frequencies, and your insurance policy details and contact numbers. Make sure you know how to report a power cut: call 105 in England, Scotland and Wales, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland.

You can use the Government’s printable household emergency plan to keep key information together. You may also want to add emergency contact or medical information to your phone, where appropriate. Check who can access it, and let your chosen emergency contact know.

Talk to children about what to do in an emergency, including when and how to call 999. Help them learn your home address and, if possible, a parent or guardian’s mobile number. Finally, check that your child’s school or childcare provider has your up-to-date contact details.

3. Prepare your home

Complete an online home fire safety check and set a reminder to test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Make sure you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water.

Check that your home insurance provides suitable cover, including flood insurance if relevant. If you live in an area at risk of flooding, find out what steps you can take to prepare your property.

It’s also worth reading the Government’s advice on preparing for hot weather, cold weather and storms.

4. Talk to others

Share the Government’s advice with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues so they can prepare, too. It’s also helpful to exchange contact details with your neighbours. You could set up a group chat for your street or building to share updates if something happens.

Think about whether anyone nearby might need extra help during an emergency, and make a plan to check on neighbours if necessary, particularly during a power cut.

5. Gather emergency supplies

Think about what your household might need if an emergency lasts for a few days. Keep supplies together in a place that is easy to find, even if the lights are out.

The Government suggests considering a separate grab bag for items you might need to take if you are asked to leave home quickly. However, if you are escaping a fire, do not delay leaving to collect belongings.

At home, your emergency kit could include:

• A battery-powered or wind-up torch or lantern. The Government says torches are safer than candles.
• A portable power bank for charging your mobile phone.
• A battery-powered or wind-up radio, so you can receive updates during a power cut.
• Spare batteries for your torch, radio and any medical equipment you rely on.
• A first aid kit or basic first aid supplies, such as plasters, bandages, dressings, gloves, medical tape, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution and tweezers.
• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for when the water supply is interrupted.
• Bottled water.
• Non-perishable food that doesn’t need cooking, such as ready-to-eat tinned meat, fruit or vegetables. Remember a tin opener.
• Enough essential medication to last several days.
• Paper instructions and charged backup batteries for any medical devices you rely on.
• Baby supplies, if needed, including nappies and formula. The Government advises that ready-made, ready-to-feed formula is best if you may not be able to boil water or sterilise bottles.
• Food and other essential supplies for pets.

How much water should you store?

The Government says there is no standard amount for every emergency, as needs and circumstances vary. It notes that the World Health Organization recommends around 2.5 to 3 litres of drinking water per person per day for survival. Around 10 litres per person per day allows more for basic cooking and hygiene. You may need extra for babies, medical equipment or pets.

Keep a few essentials in your car, too:

• A torch and an in-car phone charger or power bank.
• Warm clothes and blankets.
• High-visibility clothing.
• Jump leads.
• Food and drink.
• A first aid kit.
• A shovel, particularly in winter.

Start small and build up

The Prepare campaign is about taking sensible steps ahead of time, not panic-buying or preparing for one specific event. A torch, a few bottles of water and a written list of contacts are useful places to start. Gradually adding to your supplies and making a household plan can help you feel more prepared if an emergency occurs.

For the full guidance and printable household plan, visit the Government’s Prepare campaign website.

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