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The 72-hour home kit checklist
Updated October 2026
Everything in one list. Take what you need, and ignore the rest.
This list covers about three days at home without power or water. It follows UK Government advice, and you do not need all of it on day one. Start with the first section.
Water
- At least about 3 litres of drinking water per person per day (10 litres is more comfortable)
- Extra for babies, medical needs and pets
Food
- Three days of ready-to-eat food that needs no cooking
- A tin opener
- Baby food and pet food, if you need them
Light, power and news
- A torch or head torch, with spare batteries
- A battery or wind-up radio
- A charged power bank and your phone charger
Health and hygiene
- A first aid kit
- Regular medicines, with a list of what you take
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
Warmth
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Warm clothes, hats and gloves within reach
Information
- Important phone numbers written on paper
- Copies of key documents, such as insurance and ID details
- Some cash in small notes, because card machines and cash machines may not work
Make a household plan
The UK Government has a free household emergency plan template on its Prepare website, which helps you note down numbers, risks and what to do. It is a good next step once you have the basics.
Each section has a guide with more detail: water, food, warmth, first aid, staying informed and power cuts.
Where this advice comes from
Based on the UK Government Prepare website. This guide is general advice for ordinary households, not a substitute for official guidance. In an emergency, call 999.