Guides
Short, practical guides to getting your home a little readier. They are the same guides that ship in the Prepared? app, where they work without signal.
- Storing water safely
Keeping a little drinking water set aside is one of the simplest ways to be ready for a supply interruption.
- Getting ready for a power cut
Most power cuts are over quickly, but a little preparation makes even a long one easier.
- Food that needs no cooking
If the power or gas is off, a small store of food you can eat without cooking keeps everyone going.
- If a flood is coming
If there's a flood warning for your area, a few steps in good time can protect what matters and keep everyone safe.
- Making a simple household plan
A plan doesn't need to be elaborate. A few things agreed in advance save a lot of worry on the day.
- Keeping food safe
A few simple habits keep food safe to eat, and matter most when the power is off.
- First aid: be ready to help
First aid can make a real difference in an emergency. It's a hands-on skill, so the best preparation is to learn it before you need it, and to have trusted guidance on your phone that works without signal.
- In a storm
Most storms pass quickly, but high winds bring power cuts and hazards. A little preparation keeps everyone safe.
- Keeping warm in a cold snap
Severe cold is a real risk, especially for older people and anyone unwell. Keeping warm is mostly about layers, one warm room, and doing it safely.
- Getting warnings and news
In a serious emergency, reliable information matters as much as any supply. Here's how it works in the UK.
- If you have to leave home
Sometimes the safest thing is to leave: a flood, a fire, or a gas leak nearby. A little planning makes a rushed departure smoother.
- A pandemic, and staying home
If a serious illness is going round, the aim is simple: reduce how much it spreads, and be able to stay home comfortably for a while. A few lessons from recent years.
- Ready for a longer emergency
Most disruptions are over in hours or a day or two. Occasionally something wider and longer comes along, and the same basics simply need to stretch further. This isn't about fear; it's about a bit more of what you already have.
These guides are general information for UK households. In an emergency, call 999. For first aid, see First aid: be ready to help.