GOV.UK checklist
Bottled still water multipack
The simplest way to meet the GOV.UK target of 3 litres per person per day. A household of two needs at least 18 litres for 3 days.
Buy nowBe ready to cope for 3 days at home
The UK Government’s Be Ready campaign asks every household to keep enough supplies for 3 days of disruption. We’ve turned the official checklist into one simple shop.
- 3 daysof supplies, per GOV.UK
- 9 litresdrinking water per person
- 32items from the official checklist
- 14kit categories
Start with the core kit
Each of these is named in the GOV.UK Be Ready emergency kit checklist.
GOV.UK checklist
Wind-up radio
The official checklist names a battery or wind-up FM radio. It works with no power, mobile signal or internet.
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GOV.UK checklist
Power bank
A charged power bank is on the official checklist, for phones and compatible medical devices.
Buy nowGOV.UK checklist
Home first aid kit
A complete kit covers most of the official list in one purchase. Top it up with the items below.
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GOV.UK checklist
Foil emergency blankets
Light, cheap and reflects body heat. Pack several in grab bags and car kits.
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GOV.UK checklist
Hand sanitiser
Named in the GOV.UK kit. Keeps hands clean when tap water is off.
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GOV.UK checklist
Tinned meat and fish
Named in the official checklist. Protein that keeps for years and can be eaten cold straight from the tin.
Buy nowShop by category
76 items, from water storage to flood barriers.
Prepare for what’s most likely
Plain-English guides based on official advice, with the kit you need for each.
Power Cut Checklist UK: How to Prepare
What GOV.UK advises for power cuts: torches not candles, a radio, cash, 3 days of water and food, and the 105 number.
How to Prepare for a Water Supply Outage
How much water to store, purification tablets, water butts and handwashing tips from GOV.UK’s water outage advice.
How to Prepare Your Home for Flooding
Flood warnings, grab bags, barriers and air brick covers: GOV.UK’s flood preparation advice in plain English.
How to Prepare for Cold Weather, Snow and Ice
Carbon monoxide alarms, warm layers, heating one room to 18°C and a winter car kit: GOV.UK cold weather advice.
Grab Bag Checklist UK: What to Pack
What to put in an emergency grab bag in the UK, based on GOV.UK advice: medication, documents, torch, water, warm clothes and more.
Bug Out Bag UK: Checklist for Families
A practical UK bug out bag list for 72 hours away from home, including what’s legal to carry, family kit and what to leave out.
How Much Water to Store for an Emergency (UK)
GOV.UK says 3 litres per person per day for 3 days. Here’s how much that is for your household, how to store it and how long it keeps.
Emergency Food List UK: 3 Days of Supplies
A UK emergency food supply list for 3 days with no cooking or fridge, following GOV.UK advice, plus how to store and rotate it.
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In an emergency, call 999. To report a power cut, call 105 (Northern Ireland: 03457 643643).
Frequently asked questions
What does the UK government recommend for an emergency kit?
The GOV.UK Be Ready campaign recommends enough supplies for 3 days: bottled water (3 litres per person per day), long-life food that needs no cooking, hygiene items, a torch with spare batteries, blankets and warm clothing, a battery or wind-up radio, a charged power bank, cash, a first aid kit and medication, plus baby and pet supplies if needed.
How much water should I store for an emergency in the UK?
GOV.UK advises 3 litres of drinking water per person per day for 3 days, so 9 litres per person, with extra for cooking, washing, baby formula, medical devices and pets.
Why 3 days?
GOV.UK says being ready for 3 days helps you manage while support reaches those most in need.
What is a grab bag?
A spare bag of essentials, kept somewhere easy to reach, in case you must leave home quickly. GOV.UK suggests medication, a first aid kit, important documents, a torch, bottled water, warm waterproof clothing and baby items.
Is this site run by the government?
No. Three Day Ready is an independent shop. We summarise official GOV.UK advice and link to it, and we earn a commission from Amazon when you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.
What number do I call in a power cut?
Call 105 in England, Scotland and Wales, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland. Call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.