What To Buy?
About This Page
On this page I am providing specific products that you can choose to buy to help you develop or supplement your personal Household Readiness supplies.
You can either do so once you have gone through the step by step guides I have provided (Household Readiness Plan and Supplies Checklist), or if you are already well advanced in your planning and preparation, you can jump straight to this page to get what you need.
What you will find below are two main types of products.
The first are products sold by established retailers that I believe are worth considering including in your Household Readiness Supplies. These are personal recommendations from me, that I have researched independently, and will meet a range of budgets available without compromising quality.
I want to be clear, if you buy these products through this web page they will cost no more for you, but I will earn a commission from the retailer, that will help fund my future work on this website.
The second, are more comprehensive guides and manuals I have developed myself. These build on and complement the wide range of free advice, information and downloadable checklists that you will find on the previous pages of this website.
Budget Guide
£
Essential
Entry-level products that do the job. The best starting point for any household. Widely available.
££
Plus
Better quality, more features or greater capacity. Worth the step up for key items.
£££
Premium
High quality and built to last. For households that want to be seriously ready.
You do not need to buy every item, or the most expensive version. Start with Essential or Plus and add to your supplies over time.
Power
A reliable power supply is the foundation of household resilience. When power is lost, you need to be able to light your home, charge essential devices, cook food and stay warm. Start with a torch and batteries and alternative cooking equipment, then build from there
ITEM | £ Essential | ££ Plus | £££ Premium |
Batteries — non-rechargeable (various sizes) | |||
Rechargeable batteries |
Water
Water is your most critical resource. Without mains supply you need a minimum of 3 litres per person per day for drinking, 2 litres for cooking, and up to 5 litres for basic washing. Store what you can and have a means of purifying water if needed. Aim for at least 3 days’ supply but extend if possible.
ITEM | £ Essential | ££ Plus | £££ Premium |
Self-fill water containers | |||
Pre-bottled still water |
Food
Aim for a minimum of 2,000 to 2,500 calories per person per day, with a reasonable balance of food you know you and your family like. Build your store around long-life tinned food, supplemented by ready-to-eat rations for the most critical period. Download the free Household Readiness Supplies Checklist for a suggested two-week tinned food selection.
ITEM | £ Essential | ££ Plus | £££ Premium |
Ready-to-eat meals | |||
Long-life emergency foods |
Comms
When mobile networks and broadband fail, a battery or wind-up radio becomes your primary source of emergency information. Short-range PMR radios allow communication within your household or neighbourhood. For remote locations or extended emergencies, a satellite communicator provides off-grid capability.
ITEM | £ Essential | ££ Plus | £££ Premium |
Battery radio (AM/FM) | |||
Wind-up / solar radio |
Health
A well-stocked first aid kit and a basic supply of over-the-counter medicines are essential. If anyone in your household has prescribed medication, aim to maintain at least a two-week supply and discuss this with your GP. Good hygiene becomes critical when water is limited. A fire extinguisher and fire blanket should be in every home regardless of preparedness planning.
ITEM | £ Essential | ££ Plus | £££ Premium |
First aid kit | |||
Hand sanitiser |
Other
Beyond the five foundation categories, there are a number of additional items that can significantly improve your household’s resilience. Some will apply to all households; others are specific to your circumstances. A pre-packed grab bag ensures you can leave home quickly if needed with everything you need for 72 hours.
ITEM | £ Essential | ££ Plus | £££ Premium |
Car emergency kit | |||
Multi-tool kit |
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PLEASE NOTE:
This site is not for immediate emergencies involving danger to life or property such as fire, gas leaks, injury or flooding. In those situations, always follow the guidance of the emergency services, utility providers or other official responders.