Communication and safety starter kit

Ways to hear the news, keep a phone charged and keep key information to hand when the usual channels are down.

Why this kit

In a longer outage mobile networks and the internet can be patchy. A wind-up radio keeps you in touch with local updates, and written contact details mean you are not relying on a flat phone.

Agree a meeting point and a contact outside the area with your household, then keep the details in the document wallet.

Kit contents

What is in this kit

13 items

Quantities are for 2 adults for 3 days, with 3 litres of drinking water per person a day (GOV.UK guidance). Some items are one per household; others grow with the number of people and days.

Adjust for your household

Amazon links for this kit are coming soon. You can still use the list to check what you already have.

Panasonic RF-2400 battery radio

Local news and updates without mains power or mobile data.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Amazon Basics AA batteries, pack of 12

Long shelf life batteries for torches, radios and smoke alarms.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Lifesystems emergency whistle Optional

Attracts attention if you need help.

1 each for 2 people.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 2
Portwest hi-vis vest Optional

Makes you visible at the roadside or in the dark.

1 each for 2 people.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 2
Rite in the Rain waterproof notebook

For messages and plans when screens are off.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Duck Tape, black, 48 mm x 18 m Optional

Quick repairs to windows, tarps and kit.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Motorola Talkabout T82 Extreme two-way radios Optional

Stay in touch nearby without a phone signal.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
APC Back-UPS Connect mini UPS for routers Optional

Keeps broadband running for hours when the power goes.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite messenger Optional

Messages and SOS by satellite. Needs a subscription.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Ocean Signal rescueME PLB1 personal locator beacon Optional

Calls rescue services by satellite. Must be registered.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
OverBoard waterproof document pouch Optional

Keeps important papers and contact numbers dry.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Silva Ranger compass Optional

Find your way without a phone.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Collins road map of Britain Optional

A folded map for when phones or signal fail.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1