What to pack in a 'grab bag'
A 'grab bag' is a small emergency kit you can take with you if you need to leave your home in a hurry.
Keep it in an easy-to-reach place, like a cupboard under the stairs. A small rucksack is ideal. You should also keep a smaller version in your car in case you get stranded in severe weather.
Your 'grab bag' checklist:
Your bag should include:
- Light and Communication
- Wind-up or battery-powered torch (and spare batteries)
- Wind-up or battery-powered radio
- A 'power bank' for charging your mobile phone
- Health and First Aid
- A first aid kit
- Any essential prescription medication (and a copy of your prescription)
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Hand sanitiser, wet wipes, and face masks
- Key Documents and Money
- Copies of important documents (e.g., passport, driving licence, insurance policies)
- A small amount of cash
- A spare set of keys (home and car)
- Food and Water
- Bottled water (check the expiry date)
- Long-life snacks (like cereal bars or biscuits)
- Any food specific to individual dietary needs
- Other Useful Items
- A notepad and pen
- A whistle
- A warm blanket or emergency foil blanket
- Spare warm clothes (socks, hat, gloves)
- If you have a baby, include nappies, formula, and essential supplies.