The 72-hour kit: what to put in an emergency kit

The short list worth keeping in a cupboard, so your household can manage for three days if the power, water or shops are off. Most of it you probably have already.

Store at least 18 litres of drinking water for three days, plus extra for cooking and washing.

Water and food

  • How to store it
  • Long-life food on Amazon
  • Tin openers on Amazon

Light, power and news

Health and warmth

  • First aid kits on Amazon

Papers and money

  • Document bags on Amazon

Keeping it ready

  • Keep everything in one place everyone knows about.
  • Check dates every six months; use up food and water before it expires and replace it.
  • Keep power banks and power stations charged.
  • Think about neighbours who might need a hand.

Based on the UK government's Be Ready advice and European emergency preparedness guidance. Adjust it for babies, older relatives, pets and anyone with medical needs.