Emergency grab bag

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, its 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.Visit the advice for pet’s page for separate advice regarding your pets.

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.

noun_tick_801900Copy of your Household Emergency Plan, including a list of useful phone numbers, for example for your doctor and close relatives

noun_tick_801900House and car keys

noun_tick_801900Mobile phones & chargers

noun_tick_801900Wallet, purse, cash, bank cards

noun_tick_801900Glasses and/or contact lenses

noun_tick_801900Important personal documents in a waterproof bag (insurance, passports, driving licences)

noun_tick_801900Medication as well as copies of prescriptions for regular medication

noun_tick_801900Essential childcare supplies (nappies, food)

noun_tick_801900Bottled water and some non-perishable emergency foods

noun_tick_801900Spare money

scene_2_toolkit

Items to consider if you have time and space

noun_tick_801900First aid kit

noun_tick_801900Washing kit

noun_tick_801900Toiletries and sanitary supplies including wet wipes and rubbish/bin bags for personal hygiene

noun_tick_801900Other childcare supplies (toys, clothes, blanket, etc)

noun_tick_801900Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person – consider additional bedding during winter

noun_tick_801900Complete change of clothing – consider additional clothing during winter

noun_tick_801900Notebook and pen

noun_tick_801900Snack bars

noun_tick_801900Games and books

noun_tick_801900Torch and spare batteries (or wind up torch)

noun_tick_801900Radio and spare batteries (or wind up radio)

noun_tick_801900Whistle to signal for help

noun_tick_801900Any 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:

noun_tick_801900Water - 3.5 litres of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

noun_tick_801900Non-perishable food (at least three days’ supply)

noun_tick_801900Infant formula (if relevant)

noun_tick_801900Battery-powered radio and extra batteries (or wind-up radio)

noun_tick_801900Torch and extra batteries (or wind up torch)

noun_tick_801900Camping stove

noun_tick_801900Candles and matches

noun_tick_801900First aid kit

noun_tick_801900Feminine hygiene supplies and wet wipes for personal hygiene

noun_tick_801900Disposable nappies and nappy sacks

noun_tick_801900Whistle to signal for help

noun_tick_801900Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

noun_tick_801900Cash

noun_tick_801900Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

noun_tick_801900Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; consider additional bedding during winter

noun_tick_801900Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved top, trousers and sturdy shoes; consider additional clothing during winter

noun_tick_801900Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, passports, National Insurance numbers, NHS numbers and bank account records in a waterproof container

 

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Note: Any items that carry a 'use by' date should be used and replaced on a regular basis.