Prepare an emergency kit

This page is available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Having the right kit is essential in an emergency.

Here's what to have ready in your home, on the move and in your car.

You don’t need to do everything at once - add items when you can.  

Pick a box or bag and keep it in an accessible place. Add one item at a time - for example, when you do your weekly shop - and build your kit gradually. 

Emergency home kit

Prepare a basic kit with essential items: 

• list of emergency contact numbers (paper copy, in case your phone loses power) 
• portable power bank 
• cash for essentials (like food or fuel) 
• torch and radio (battery or wind-up), spare batteries 
• essential medication (and backup power for medical equipment, if needed) 
• first aid kit (e.g., plasters, bandages, antiseptic, gloves) 
• hand sanitiser and wet wipes 
• 3 days’ supply of bottled water and long-life, ready-to-eat food (include a tin opener) 
• copies of important documents (kept in a waterproof bag) 
• pencil and paper 
• spare house and car keys 
• baby and pet supplies (if needed) 

Optional extras: blankets, spare clothes, hygiene products, duct tape, camping stove/gas.

Emergency kit on the move

Prepare a small kit you can take with you in an emergency: 

• weather-appropriate clothing 
• ready-to-eat food, bottled water, and a flask for hot drinks 
• mobile phone and charger or power bank 
• essential medication 
• spare glasses or contact lenses 
• cash and bank cards 
• list of emergency contact numbers (paper copy, in case your phone loses power) 
• baby and pet supplies (if needed) 

Emergency car kit

Keep essential items in your car in case you get stranded: 

• ice scraper and de‑icer 
• snow shovel 
• map (for diversions or poor signal) 
• blanket and warm clothing 
• first aid kit 
• torch and radio (battery or wind-up) 
• jump leads 
• bottled water and non-perishable snacks 

More help and advice

Learn better through interactive workshops? Visit our Community education workshops page to find out about our climate resilience workshops.  

No first aid kit? No problem. Read our guide to how everyday items can help in an emergency.

Learn first aid so you can help deal with emergencies such as strokes, choking and burns.

Get advice on how to provide emotional support in a crisis and help people in distress.

Our crisis resource for teachers shows how teachers can help young people in distress.