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.

A longer buffer

• Aim for more than the usual few days of water, food and any regular medicines.
• Keep some cash: card and cash machines may not work.

Staying informed and in touch

• Keep a battery or wind-up radio, and note how you’d reach your household if phones are down.
• Keep copies of important documents somewhere you can reach them.

During

• Follow official advice from gov.uk, the emergency services and your local authority.
• Use what you have steadily, and look out for neighbours: communities cope far better together.