Everything you need as UK Government urges Brits to create 72-hr survival kit - full list

The UK government has recently updated its guidance, encouraging residents to prepare emergency kits stocked with supplies to last at least three days. Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, whether caused by severe weather, accidents, infrastructure failures, or other unforeseen events. This advice aims to help households stay safe and self-sufficient during unexpected crises such as floods, power outages, or pandemics.

The government has said that every home should have a kit containing enough essentials for 72 hours, including non-perishable food items, drinking water, medical supplies, and other basic necessities, the Government says. While assembling a full kit might seem daunting, the UK government website Prepare suggests building it gradually over time rather than rushing to buy everything at once.

The Government recommends including key items in your emergency kit such as a torch, portable phone charger, battery or wind-up radio, spare batteries, and backup power for medical devices.

Also pack a first aid kit, hand sanitiser, bottled water (at least 2.5 to 3 litres per person per day as advised by the WHO), non-perishable food, baby supplies, and pet food.

Consider assembling a "grab bag" with items you might need to take quickly in case of evacuation. Ensure you have enough medication, and pack essential items like a torch, warm clothes, and a first aid kit in your car for winter safety.

Storage specialist Sarah Day from Pay Less for Storage, said: "While this news might understandably be worrying for some, remember it's not intended to scare you, just to ensure that everyone is well prepared in the event of an emergency.

"And remember, preparedness doesn't mean panic buying or anxiously hoarding - it means planning for the worst and sensibly storing what you need."

Likewise, the European Commission encourages EU citizens to have enough food, water, and essential supplies to last for 72 hours.

This initiative is part of a broader Europe-wide campaign designed to raise awareness and readiness for a range of emergencies, such as natural disasters, health emergencies, and military threats

Here is the full list of the 10 items you should consider including in your survival kit, according to the Government:

Battery or wind-up torch

Portable power bank for charging your mobile phone

Battery or wind-up radio

Spare batteries for torches, radio, and medical equipment

First aid kit (including waterproof plasters, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings, gloves, medical tape, tweezers)

Hand sanitiser and wet wipes

Bottled water (minimum 2.5-3 litres per person per day)

Non-perishable ready-to-eat food (with a tin opener)

Pet food

Baby supplies (nappies and ready-to-feed formula)