UK HOUSEHOLD GUIDE ·
How to prepare for emergencies on a budget
If an extra shop is out of reach, start with a torch you can find, a meal you can make and a way to check in with your people.
Start with what you already have
The UK government’s Be Ready checklist suggests building up enough food and drinking water for three days, so you can manage while help reaches those who need it most. It recommends adding supplies gradually when you can.
BBC Wales covered the affordability concerns raised by the advice, and The Independent reported on research estimating how many households would struggle to pay for extra supplies. If the weekly shop already stretches your budget, make a plan around what’s in the house today.
01 / TODAY
Free steps you can take in ten minutes
Find and test a torch
Find and test a torch you already own. Put it where everyone can find it, and check which batteries it takes.
Pick a no-cook meal
Look for a meal you could eat without a fridge or cooker. Check the packaging and make sure you can open it.
Write down key numbers
Write down a few important phone numbers and agree who will check in on whom. Keep the list somewhere easy to find. If you have children, agree who can collect them if your usual plans are disrupted.
02 / FOOD AND WATER
Build towards three days gradually
Be Ready suggests three litres of bottled drinking water per person per day. That’s nine litres per person over three days. Allow extra for washing, cooking and pets.
For food, count familiar options that keep without refrigeration and can be eaten without cooking. When there’s room in the budget, add one item you’ll use anyway. Use the oldest first and replace it when you can.
03 / MAKE IT FIT
When money or space is tight
Put a short list on the fridge with one item you already have and one gap to revisit. Keep supplies with your usual groceries if space is limited. Store them according to the label, somewhere you can reach.
If there’s nothing spare this week, focus on your contact plan and what you can find or test. If someone relies on powered equipment or needs extra help during an outage, check the support options in the official guidance and discuss a backup plan with the relevant provider.
QUICK ANSWERS
Common questions about emergency supplies
Do I need to buy an emergency kit?
Start by checking the things you already use at home. A working torch, warm layers and a written contact list are useful starting points. Add what your household is missing as you’re able.
What if I can only manage one meal?
Write it down as your first option. Our cupboard challenge helps you build from one meal to a day using familiar foods.
How often should I check my supplies?
Be Ready suggests reviewing them every six months. Check dates, test your torch and update contact numbers or supplies if your household’s needs have changed.
YOUR NEXT SMALL STEP
Find one thing you can do today.
The Blackout Check helps you spot what you already have and choose a practical next step for your household.
Take The Blackout Check