Emergency? Call 112 now. Dispatchers will guide you through these steps on the phone.
After a major disaster, help may take days to reach every household. Emergency agencies worldwide recommend that each household can be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours — many now advise up to a week or two of water and food at home.
The core kit
💧 Water
About 4 litres (1 gallon) per person per day, for drinking and basic hygiene. Store at least 3 days' worth; add purification tablets or a filter.
🥫 Food
Non-perishable, no-cook foods your household actually eats: canned goods, nut butter, crackers, dried fruit, ready meals. Pack a manual can opener.
🔦 Light & power
Flashlight or headlamp, extra batteries, power bank, crank or battery radio for official alerts.
🩹 First aid
A stocked first-aid kit, 7-day supply of prescription medication, spare glasses, and copies of prescriptions.
📄 Documents
Copies of IDs, insurance, medical records and contacts in a waterproof pouch plus an encrypted digital copy. Some cash in small notes.
🧰 Tools & hygiene
Whistle, multi-tool, duct tape, dust masks, wet wipes, rubbish bags, sanitary supplies, warm blanket or emergency foil blankets.
Personalise it
- Babies: formula, bottles, nappies, wipes.
- Older adults: extra medication, mobility aids, hearing-aid batteries, a list of medical conditions.
- Pets: food, water, leash/carrier, vaccination records.
- Climate: rain gear and warm layers, or sun protection and extra water for hot regions.
Where to keep kits
Keep a full kit at home, a smaller go-bag by the door for evacuation, a car kit (water, snacks, blanket, jumper cables, charger, first aid) and a mini kit at work. Check water and food expiry dates every six months — a good habit is to do it when clocks change or on a fixed date like New Year's Day.
Build yours now: our free emergency kit builder saves your progress and prints a shopping list.
Watch: How to build an emergency supply kit
Video hosted on YouTube by its original publisher; embedded for education.
Last reviewed October 22, 2026 against current public guidance from national resuscitation councils and Red Cross / Red Crescent first-aid manuals. General education only — not a substitute for certified training or professional medical advice. Medical disclaimer · Suggest a correction