It’s useful to make a list of essential items that you can grab quickly in an emergency or keep them stored somewhere with easy access in a small enough bag for anyone to carry. When preparing for a potential emergency, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: water, food and warmth.

Items you put in the Grab Bag may change seasonally or be dependent on your needs as a household. It should be checked regularly to ensure perishable items are still in date and all information and insurance is up to date.

What you should consider if you are advised to evacuate

If you are advised to evacuate, it is recommended that you have an Emergency Grab Bag ready to ensure a quick and easy exit.

Copy of your Household Emergency Plan, including a list of useful phone numbers, for example for your doctor and close relatives

• House and car keys

• Mobile phones & chargers

• Wallet, purse, cash, bank cards

• Glasses and/or contact lenses

• Important personal documents in a waterproof bag (insurance, passports, driving licences)

• Medication as well as copies of prescriptions for regular medication

• Essential childcare supplies (nappies, food)

• Bottled water and some non-perishable emergency foods

• Spare money

Items to consider if you have time and space

• First aid kit

• Washing kit

• Toiletries and sanitary supplies including wet wipes and rubbish/bin bags for personal hygiene

• Other childcare supplies (toys, clothes, blanket, etc)

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person – consider additional bedding during winter

• Complete change of clothing – consider additional clothing during winter

• Notebook and pen

• Snack bars

• Games and books

• Torch and spare batteries (or wind-up torch)

• Radio and spare batteries (or wind up radio)

• Whistle to signal for help

• Any other items that might provide some comfort if you have to leave your home in a hurry

If you are advised to stay at home

If you are advised to stay at home, are unable to get out, or suffer a prolonged power cut to your home, it is essential to keep an emergency stock of supplies to see you through, for example:

• Water - 3.5 litres of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Non-perishable food (at least three days’ supply)

• Infant formula (if relevant)

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries (or wind-up radio)

• Torch and extra batteries (or wind-up torch)

• Camping stove

• Candles and matches

• First aid kit

• Feminine hygiene supplies and wet wipes for personal hygiene

• Disposable nappies and nappy sacks

• Whistle to signal for help

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Cash

• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; consider additional bedding during winter

• Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved top, trousers and sturdy shoes; consider additional clothing during winter

• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, passports, National Insurance numbers, NHS numbers and bank account records in a waterproof container