The 10-Minute Home Emergency Check
Go through these questions quickly. If you can answer yes to most of them, you are already well prepared.
1. Lighting
If the power went out tonight, would you have reliable lighting?
Checklist:
- at least two torches
- spare batteries
- ideally a headlamp
Phone lights are helpful but drain battery quickly.
2. Drinking Water
Could everyone in your home drink safely for three days?
Basic guideline:
- about 6–9 litres per person
Water can be stored in:
- bottled water
- reusable containers.
3. Food
Could you eat normally for at least three days without shopping?
Look for:
- canned food
- dried foods
- long-life milk
- snacks
The best emergency food is simply food you already eat.
4. Cooking
Could you prepare food if electricity stopped?
Options include:
- gas hob
- camping stove
- ready-to-eat food
Always use portable stoves with proper ventilation.
5. Warmth
If heating stopped in winter, could you stay warm?
Check for:
- blankets
- warm clothing
- sleeping bags
- hot water bottles
Concentrating heat in one room can help conserve warmth.
6. Information
Could you receive information if internet and TV stopped?
Useful tools:
- battery radio
- wind-up radio
- local radio stations
Emergency announcements are often broadcast on radio.
7. Phone Power
If electricity was off for 24–48 hours, could you keep a phone charged?
Useful items:
- power bank
- car charger
- spare charging cables.
8. First Aid
Could you treat minor injuries at home?
Basic kit should include:
- plasters
- sterile dressings
- antiseptic wipes
- painkillers
- bandages.
9. Emergency Cash
If card payments stopped temporarily, could you buy essentials?
Keep a small amount such as:
- £50–£100 in cash
- small notes and coins.
Payment systems sometimes fail during outages.
10. Household Plan
Does everyone know what to do in an emergency?
Consider:
- where supplies are stored
- emergency contact numbers
- where to meet if separated
- how to turn off utilities
Even a simple written plan helps.
