The Be Ready checklist explained
The UK Government's Be Ready checklist in plain English: the nine groups of supplies, what you probably own already and what is worth adding.
Guides to getting your home ready
Each guide starts with a short answer, then shows what you need, what you probably already own, and what, if anything, is worth buying.
Start here
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What to put in an emergency kit
What to put in a UK household emergency kit, based on the Be Ready checklist. Start with what you own and add only what is missing.
All guides
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How much water to store
How much water to store at home in the UK: the Be Ready amount per person, how to store tap water safely and how to work out your household total.
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What to do in a power cut
What to do in a power cut in the UK: who to call, how to stay safe and warm, and the few things worth having ready at home.
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How to pack a flood grab bag
What to pack in a flood grab bag, where to keep it and how to sign up for free flood warnings in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
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Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
Build an emergency kit on a budget: a room-by-room hunt for things you already own that cover most of the Be Ready checklist.
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Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut
How to help elderly parents get ready for a power cut: a torch by the bed, numbers on paper, warm layers, medicines and the Priority Services Register.
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The Priority Services Register explained
What the Priority Services Register is, who can join, what help it can give in a power cut and how to sign up for free in the UK.
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Emergency kit for babies, children and pets
What to add to your emergency kit for a baby, young children and pets, based on the Be Ready checklist, with tips on using what you already have.
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Car winter emergency kit checklist
A simple car winter emergency kit checklist: what to keep in your car for cold weather, what you probably own already and how to stay safe if you get stuck.
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Getting ready on a tight budget
How to get your home ready for a power cut, flood or other emergency for £0, then what to add with about £20, using things you already own.
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Getting ready on a tight budget: Easy Read
An Easy Read guide to getting your home ready for an emergency for £0, and what to add with about £20.
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Help with energy, water and heating costs
Help you may be able to get with energy, water and heating bills in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with official links for each scheme.
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What you can claim after a power cut
Power-cut compensation in the UK: how much you may get, which payments are automatic, which you must claim and how to chase a missing payment.
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Money help after a flood
Money help after a flood in the UK: council grants and council tax relief, insurance claims, Flood Re and crisis grants, and how to find out what is available.
Guides by Be Ready category
Water
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- How much water to store
- How to pack a flood grab bag
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut
- The Priority Services Register explained
- Emergency kit for babies, children and pets
- Car winter emergency kit checklist
- Getting ready on a tight budget
- Getting ready on a tight budget: Easy Read
- Help with energy, water and heating costs
- Money help after a flood
Food
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- What to do in a power cut
- How to pack a flood grab bag
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut
- Emergency kit for babies, children and pets
- Car winter emergency kit checklist
- Getting ready on a tight budget
- Getting ready on a tight budget: Easy Read
Hygiene
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Emergency kit for babies, children and pets
Light and warmth
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- What to do in a power cut
- How to pack a flood grab bag
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut
- The Priority Services Register explained
- Car winter emergency kit checklist
- Getting ready on a tight budget
- Getting ready on a tight budget: Easy Read
- Help with energy, water and heating costs
- What you can claim after a power cut
Communication and information
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- What to do in a power cut
- How to pack a flood grab bag
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut
- The Priority Services Register explained
- Car winter emergency kit checklist
Money and documents
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- How to pack a flood grab bag
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut
- Getting ready on a tight budget
- Getting ready on a tight budget: Easy Read
- Help with energy, water and heating costs
- What you can claim after a power cut
- Money help after a flood
Medical and health
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- What to do in a power cut
- How to pack a flood grab bag
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Helping elderly parents prepare for a power cut
- The Priority Services Register explained
- Emergency kit for babies, children and pets
- Car winter emergency kit checklist
Baby products
- The Be Ready checklist explained
- What to put in an emergency kit
- How much water to store
- How to pack a flood grab bag
- Build a starter emergency kit from what you own
- Emergency kit for babies, children and pets
Pet products
Last reviewed: .