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.

Emergency home kit

• A list of emergency contact numbers. This should be a paper copy, in case your mobile phone loses power.
• A battery-operated torch and spare batteries, or a wind-up torch.
• Battery-operated radio and spare batteries, or a wind-up radio.
• Any essential medication and a first aid kit.
• Three days’ supply of bottled water and ready-to-eat food that won’t go off.
• Copies of important documents, such as insurance policies and birth certificates. Keep these in a waterproof bag.
• Pencil, paper, penknife and whistle.
• Spare keys to your home and car.
• Spare glasses or contact lenses.
• Baby and pet supplies if needed.

Emergency kit on the move

• Check the weather forecast and pack suitable clothes.
• Ready-to-eat food, a warm drink in a flask and bottled water.
• Mobile phone and charger.
• Any essential medication.
• Spare glasses or contact lenses.
• Cash and credit cards.
• A list of emergency contact numbers. This should be a paper copy, in case your mobile phone loses power.
• Baby and pet supplies if needed.

Emergency car kit

• Ice scraper and de-icer.
• Snow shovel.
• A map in case you need to find your way around diversions.
• Blanket and warm clothes.
• First aid kit.
• Battery-operated torch and spare batteries, or a wind-up torch.
• Battery-operated radio and spare batteries, or a wind-up radio.
• Jump leads.

More help and advice

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.