Supporting yourself at home

Emergencies can happen at any time and without warning, but we can take steps to ensure our households are prepared. A home emergency kit can help you cope with the unexpected. Ready Scotland recommend it holds: 

• Torch and spare batteries 
• Battery operated radio or wind-up radio 
• Mobile phone charger 
• Essential medication, toiletries and a first aid kit 
• Three days of bottled water and ready to eat food that won’t go off 
• Formula/ baby food 
• Pet food 
• Copies of important documents eg insurance policies 
• Blankets 
• Pencil, paper, penknife, whistle 
• Spare keys to your home and car 
• Spare glasses or contact lenses 
• Putty or a repair clamp for fixing burst pipes 

You might want to keep your kit in a waterproof bag in case you need to leave your home without notice - if you are at risk of flooding, for example.