You've probably seen in the news this week that the government is urging people to stock up on certain items in case of an emergency, including extreme weather or issues with infrastructure. There are certain items to have in your home or car that are very simple and mostly quite cheap to buy, but in the event that there were a temporary disruption, would be very helpful to have!
Although the advice is not meant to cause panic, but with recent cyber attacks on supply chains and bad storms, planning ahead seems a sensible thing to do! You can read the full government advice on the Be Ready Campaign site.
Items for at Home
It is recommended to have a supply of 3 days' worth of essential items, and for each one, consider that water, electricity, and gas may not be available. Many of these items you may have in stock already - just be mindful to replace items if you use them. Other items can be purchased as and when you can, to build up your supply gradually. It's also a good idea to check items in your supply every 6 months to ensure food is still in date or if anything else needs replacing.
As well as the generally recommended items, it's also a good idea to have a think about any items that are specific to you and your family's needs. For example, any medication that might be needed, supplies for babies and young children, and pet food and other supplies. If you have any vulnerable neighbours or family members, it might also be a good time to speak to them about their needs, and if possible, keep a few extra bits in stock just in case they need help. Now's a good time to share contact details too!
Here are the general items the government recommends having supplies of:
Cash and cards, ID and Documents
Physical rather than in your phone.
Food that doesn't need a fridge or cooking
It's also a good idea to buy food that you normally would eat. Tinned food, pickled foods, and foods in cartons are ideal, as they have a long shelf life and will stay fresh even if there is no electricity, including long-life milk. Tins of fruit provide additional vitamins, and also you can drink the juice for extra fluids. Tins of veg, peas, beans, and lentils help provide energy and are filling, and canned fish can provide additional protein. Cereals, nuts, and crackers make a good, healthy snack - try to avoid sugary items. Items such as pasta and rice are also a great store cupboard essential - although they do need to be cooked, they are cheap and versatile, as well as filling. In cold weather, they're exactly what you need to help stay warm!
Water
Bottled water for 3 days (3 litres per person per day), as well as extra water for things like washing, cleaning teeth, and cooking
Hygiene
Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, bathroom products such as toilet paper, and general hygiene essentials
A Torch and Spare Batteries
It's important to have a torch that doesn't depend on electricity to charge. We've found this Mini Torch* that runs on 3x AAA batteries - small but powerful; it has a range of 110m and is invaluable in a power cut. Wind-up options are also available.
A First Aid Kit and essential medical supplies - it's a good idea to reorder any essential medication before running out at any time, but it's also a good idea to have a general first aid kit handy. We've picked out this 90-piece kit* that includes items for everyday first aid. You can also buy this in a pack of 2 - 1 for the home and 1 for the car!
A wind-up radio
The government recommends a wind-up radio for delivering essential updates. We've found this handy gadget - a wind-up radio with a torch built in*! This can also be charged via USB, so keep it powered up!
A Charged-Up Power Bank
Essential for charging most devices, a power bank is a great thing to have at any time. We've picked out this High Capacity Portable Charger*, which has extended charging time and can power multiple devices. Just make sure you have the cables you need, too!
Blankets, Sleeping Bags and Warm Throws
In the event of extreme weather and no heating available, houses get cold quickly! Layering warm clothes can help, but when it comes to nighttime, extra layers will be essential. We've picked out this Sherpa Fleece Blanket* - super warm for a reasonable price, and something that you can use even if there is no emergency scenario.
Items for in the Car
When it comes to essential items for the car, it's important to think about what you might need should you become stranded - when the Beast from the East hit in 2017, many motorists became stuck on motorways with no way of being rescued, and ended up stuck in their car all night.
If extreme weather is forecast, it's a good idea to avoid travel unless completely unavoidable. For long journeys, think about essentials prior to setting off - pack any essential medication and plenty of food and drink. It's also a good idea to plan petrol and keep your tank as full as possible - this way you can keep the heating on for longer in your vehicle if stranded.
Many of the items that the government has recommended are similar to those we should have in our homes, but there are a few more things that are a good idea to have handy
Torch
Power Bank and Cables
Blanket
First Aid Kit
High-Vis Vest and Jump Leads
Both of these items are essential in the event you or someone you know breaks down. We've found this Breakdown Emergency Kit* that contains both, plus a blanket, torch, emergency blanket, and more, boxing off many items on this list! Plus, it comes in a handy pouch, meaning it's small enough to keep in your car without taking up luggage space!
Shovel
In the event that your vehicle gets stuck in mud or snow, having a shovel handy can make a real difference in getting free! Shovels can be heavy and bulky to have in your car all year, so we've found this Folding Shovel* to take up minimal boot space.
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