The Prepper's Cave

Household emergency preparation in the UK and Europe

Getting started with household preparation

Start with a plan for the people you live with and the disruptions most likely to affect your area.

Three days is a useful first milestone. The UK's Be Ready campaign recommends a three-day kit, and the European Commission's preparedness strategy calls for guidance towards at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency. This is a starting point, not a promise that every emergency will end after three days.

Follow the guidance for where you live. If authorities tell you to leave, a well-stocked cupboard is not a reason to stay.

Step 01

Know what could interrupt your day.

Start with local weather and flood risk, power cuts and the needs of the people you live with. Save your council and utility contact details.

Find official local guidance
Step 02

Make a three-day household plan.

Decide how to stay in touch, where to meet, what to do if you need to leave and who might need extra help. Include pets and medical equipment.

Build your first plan
Step 03

Use what you have. Fill the gaps gradually.

Check for water, familiar no-cook food, a torch, warm layers, a radio and charged power banks. Add missing essentials during ordinary shopping trips.

Open your printable checklist
Step 04

Practise once. Review regularly.

Find the torch in the dark, check the radio and make sure everyone knows the plan. Review supplies every six months and after using them.

Make it work for your household

Sources: UK Be Ready and the EU preparedness union strategy. Find out how our AI-assisted guides are produced.

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