72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist: Everything You Need for UK Disasters

Why Every UK Home Needs a 72-Hour Emergency Kit

The UK government recommends every household maintain supplies for at least 72 hours (3 days). This timeframe covers most emergencies—from severe storms to infrastructure failures—when help may be delayed.

The Ultimate 72-Hour Kit Checklist

Water (Most Critical)

Item	Quantity Per Person	Notes
Drinking water	6 litres minimum	2L per day
Water purification tablets	50 tablets	Backup method
Collapsible water container	1	For refilling

Food Supplies

Item	Quantity	Calories
Energy bars	6-9	1,800-2,700
Tinned food (ring-pull)	3-4 tins	600-1,000
Dried fruit and nuts	500g	2,500+
Crackers/biscuits	2 packs	1,000
Chocolate	200g	1,000

Shelter and Warmth

Emergency blanket (space blanket) x2
Lightweight tarp
Sleeping bag liner
Hand warmers x4
Rain poncho

Lighting and Power

LED headtorch + batteries
Small flashlight
Candles (6-hour) x6
Waterproof matches
Power bank (10,000mAh+)
Solar charger (optional)

First Aid Essentials

Plasters (assorted)
Bandages and gauze
Antiseptic wipes
Pain relievers
Personal medications (7-day supply)
Prescription copies

Tools and Equipment

Multi-tool or knife
Duct tape
Paracord (10m)
Whistle
Compass
Local maps

Documents and Money

Copies of ID, insurance
Emergency contact list
Cash (£50-100 in small notes)
USB drive with important files

Communication

Battery/wind-up radio
Spare phone charger cable
Emergency contact card
Notepad and pencil

Sanitation

Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Hand sanitiser
Bin bags
Feminine hygiene products

How to Store Your Kit

Use a durable bag — Waterproof rucksack or duffle
Keep it accessible — Near your front door or in the car
Check every 6 months — Replace expired items, update documents
Tell family members — Everyone should know where it is

Key Takeaways

A proper 72-hour kit could mean the difference between comfort and crisis during an emergency. Build yours today and update it regularly.