The 3-day checklist.

Water and food

• Bottled drinking water 3 litres per person per day, for 3 days. For your household that is 18 litres. Cooking and washing need more. Water supply guide →
• Food for 3 days that needs no cooking Long-life food you normally eat: tins, dried fruit, nuts, crackers. Nothing that needs the fridge.
• A manual tin opener Keep it with the tins.

Light and warmth

• A torch for each person, plus spare batteries Battery or wind-up. Torches are safer than candles. Power cut guide →
• Blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothing Homes get cold quickly once the heating stops.

News and staying in touch

• A battery or wind-up FM radio With spare batteries. Write down the frequencies of your local news stations.
• A charged power bank For phones or compatible medical devices. Recharge it every few months.
• Important numbers written on paper Family, neighbours who may need checking on, your GP, and 105 to report a power cut (03457 643643 in Northern Ireland).

Health and hygiene

• A first aid kit Plasters, bandages, sterile dressings, antiseptic, gloves, tape, tweezers and a thermometer.
• Essential medicines and medical supplies Order repeat prescriptions at least 5 working days before you run out. Keep a written list of medicines and doses.
• Hand sanitiser, wet wipes and bathroom products For when the taps are off. If your water goes off →

Money and documents

• Some cash, in coins and notes Card machines and cash machines may not work.
• Copies of important documents ID, insurance details and instructions for any medical equipment, in a waterproof bag. Grab bag guide →

If you need them

Mark anything that does not apply to your home as not needed.

• Baby formula, nappies and wipes Ready-to-feed formula is best, as you may not be able to boil water.
• Pet food and bottled water for pets Enough for 3 days.

Make a plan

Things to do once, not things to buy.

• Check if you can join the Priority Services Register Free extra help from your energy and water companies if you are older, disabled, have young children or rely on medical equipment. How to sign up →
• Check your flood risk and sign up for warnings It takes a minute on GOV.UK. Check your flood risk (opens in a new tab) →
• Know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water Find the stop tap, the fuse box and the gas meter before you need them.
• Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarm Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Agree a meeting point and who checks on whom Include neighbours who may need extra support.