Creating an Emergency 'grab bag'
In an emergency situation you may need to move quickly, so it's important to have a few necessities to hand.
Ideally, prepare a small easy-to-carry bag with essentials and store it in an accessible place ready to go. At the very least, have an up-to-date check list for things to put into your emergency "grab bag" and know where they are.
The bag contents will vary depending on your needs but may include:
Emergency items:
- Essential/prescribed medication, plus asthma and respiratory aids
- Hearing aids
- Glasses/contact lenses
- Useful phone numbers
- Mobile phone and charger
- House and car keys
- Money and credit cards
- First aid kit
- Basic toiletries (eg toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary towels)
Other essential items (this will vary according to your needs and the weather):
- Supplies for babies and small children
- Food, milk formula, drinks you use, food bowls, sterile bottles, sterilising tablets
- Change of clothing
- Nappies and wipes
- Toys, books and activities
- Food and water (Canned or dried food, snacks, bottled drinking water)
- Special food needs
- Clothing and equipment
- Warm, wind and rainproof clothing
- Strong shoes for outdoors
- Waterproof torch and spare batteries (check regularly)
- Radio and spare batteries (check regularly)
(perhaps you could consider getting wind-up torches and radios)
Other items to consider:
- Copies of insurance documents
- Anti-bacterial hand wipes/gel
- Blankets and sleeping bags
- Sun hats and sunscreen
- Rubbish bags
- Thermos flask