Household starter kit

The basics for the whole household in one kit: water, food, light, power, news, first aid and warmth for the first few days.

Why this kit

If you are starting from nothing, start here. This kit covers the first 72 hours of most emergencies at home, from a power cut to a burst water main.

It is sized for your household, so water and food grow with the number of people and days, while things like the radio and first aid kit stay at one per home.

Kit contents

What is in this kit

17 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.

Energizer Fusion compact LED lantern

Lights a whole room and is safer than candles.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Energizer Vision HD+ head torch

Keeps both hands free on the stairs, in the loft or outdoors after dark.

1 each for 2 people.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 2
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
Amazon Basics AAA batteries, pack of 12

Spares for head torches and smaller devices.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Anker power bank, 10,000 mAh

Charges a phone two or three times. Keep it topped up.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
UGREEN USB-C charging cable, 1 m Optional

A spare cable that stays with the kit.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Food-safe water container with screw cap, 5 L

Food-grade containers for storing tap water at home.

2 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 2
Lifesystems Trek first aid kit

A compact kit for a grab bag or car.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Heinz baked beans, 6 x 415 g

A cupboard staple that can be eaten cold if needed.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Kuhn Rikon 5-in-1 can and jar opener

Opens tins and jars without power.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
Cuticura antibacterial hand gel, 6 x 100 ml

Clean hands when water is short.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
WaterWipes sensitive wipes, 3 packs

Gentle wipes for washing when water is short.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
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
Lifesystems emergency whistle Optional

Attracts attention if you need help.

1 each for 2 people.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 2
Lifesystems emergency foil blanket Optional

Compact emergency warmth for a bag or car.

1 each for 2 people.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 2
OverBoard waterproof document pouch Optional

Keeps important papers and contact numbers dry.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1
ReadyWise freeze-dried vegetables, 120 servings Optional

Long-life vegetables to go with a stored food supply.

1 for the household.

Amazon link coming soon

Quantity: 1