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 (for example: 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
See the SSEN Grab Bag Resource for a printable guide.
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