72-Hour Home

Plan around 3 litres per person per day for drinking as a starting minimum; allow more for heat and individual needs.

Choose familiar foods that need no cooking; allow for allergies and diets.

Check it works with the tins you store.

Keep in a known location; use instead of candles.

Match the sizes and chemistry of your devices; store safely.

Keep charged and check it can charge your phone.

Keep compatible cables for essential devices.

Choose FM reception; DAB can be an extra option. Test local news stations.

Keep a suitable household kit accessible; check contents and expiry dates.

Keep enough for everyone, including people with limited mobility.

Record family, neighbours, schools and essential providers.

Keep a copy accessible to household members.

Discuss continuity and an appropriate reserve with the pharmacist or prescriber; do not change doses. Only needed where relevant: prescription users.

Keep suitable alternatives for allergies or dietary requirements. Only needed where relevant: special dietary needs.

Agree a backup or relocation plan with the clinical team and equipment provider. Only needed where relevant: powered medical equipment users.

Keep a supply for handwashing.

Keep a modest household reserve.

Useful where appropriate; soap and water are preferable for visibly dirty hands.

Useful for limited washing; never flush them.

Keep familiar food suited to each animal. Only needed where relevant: pet owners.

Plan safe feeding with the health visitor; powdered formula needs safe preparation and suitable hot water. Only needed where relevant: infants.

Use oldest stock first and replace items before expiry.

Check seals and stock dates; follow supplier instructions for replacement.

Set a recurring check and follow storage instructions.

Identify somewhere safe to stay if the home becomes unsafe.