72-hour emergency kit checklist

The EU now asks every household to be able to manage on its own for at least 72 hours — without power, tap water or mobile network. You don't need to buy it all today. Use this list to see what you already have.

The essentials

Water

• 3 litres per person per day for drinking and cooking — the common minimum in national guidance. For 4 people and 3 days: 36 litres. Work out yours.
• Sealed bottled water with a visible best-before date. Remember water for pets.

Food

• Three days of food that keeps and needs no cooking: ring-pull tins, cooked beans, nuts, crackers, tinned fish.
• Something the children like, and pet food.

Light and power

• A torch (ideally one each) and spare batteries.
• A charged power bank for phones.
• A lamp or lantern for the room. Torches, not candles.
• Warm layers or a blanket for each person.

Information

• A battery or wind-up radio for updates from the authorities.

Health and hygiene

• A basic first aid kit.
• Prescription medicines for 3 days — check with your pharmacist how to keep them current.
• Spare glasses or contact lenses, hygiene items and toilet bags.

Cash and papers

• Cash in small notes and coins: card terminals stop when the power does.
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof sleeve.

Three habits that keep it easy

1. Keep it together, and make sure everyone at home knows where.
2. Check dates twice a year. Eat the oldest in normal meals and replace.
3. Pack a grab bag for leaving home quickly: water, documents, medicines, torch, power bank, cash.

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