Below is a list of emergency items to have in the house, if possible. We know many of the items listed are obvious but it is often the obvious we overlook.

Alternative Power Sources

Torches: If the power goes off, you will need a torch and batteries to navigate your home. It’s best to also have battery lanterns to keep your home lit. A headtorch is a useful handsfree option. Candles can be used but could be a danger, so use with caution.

Matches: Matches, make sure you keep them in a dry place.

Medical Supplies

First-aid kit: You should keep a first-aid kit that contains items like medicines, scissors, tweezers, needles, antiseptic, thermometers, petroleum jelly, antacid, and laxatives.

Winter cold and flu supplies When you are feeling under the weather the last thing you want to do is go out to get cold and flu supplies so make sure you stock up on cold and flu tablets, sore throat lozenges/syrup, nasal spray, tissues, ibuprofen or similar and a  mask (to protect others who may need to visit  you).

Prescription Drugs – Ensure you have a good supply of your own prescription drugs. Don’t leave ordering until the last minute!

Make sure that a list of your own drugs are readily available to any medical staff who may need to assist you.

Don’t Forget Spare Items

Spare home keys: Make sure a neighbour or friend knows how to access your home in an emergency. Keeping spare home keys in a set place helps in circumstances where you can’t find your usual keys in the dark.

Power bank: A power bank plays an important role when your mobile or torch runs out of charge. Keep the power bank charged up!

Batteries: When electric supplies are dead.

Notepad and pen: A notepad can help you keep track of your food stocks , what you may need and can also be used to make a note of symptoms and times they occur in case your doctor needs it.

Food And Water Supplies

Foods: Especially dry foods and tinned food that can be stored for a long time or non-perishable foods. Cans of soup provide a quick way of getting hot food without using a great deal of heat. High calorie snack bars will keep you going if food is difficult to prepare.

Pet food and supplies: If you have pets, it’s important to keep their food and supplies at home stocked up in case of emergencies.

Flasks to keep hot drinks  or soup in.

Water: Always store water to meet your family’s demands in emergencies.

Manual can opener: Manual/battery  can opener will enable you to open cans if the power is off

Bedding/Clothing Items

Hand/Foot warmers: Hand/Foot warmers/gloves provide heat in a cold environment. They can also provide soothing heat for muscular or joint aches.

Emergency blanket: Emergency blankets will keep your body warm and prevent your body from losing heat, which is a life-saving method, especially for people suffering from hypothermia.

Other items

Seasoned firewood: If you have a real fire ensure you have a good stock of firewood for the winter which can be easily reached.

Rock Salt for putting down on your paths, only if you are able to do so safely.

Fire Extinguisher -During the winter, the use of heaters, candles, and fireplaces increases the risk of fires, making a fire extinguisher a crucial safety item if you can afford one.

A list of emergency phone numbers, eg your doctor, your next of kin, a neighbour who might be able to help, the Good Neighbours number. Make sure these are in an obvious place.