Creating an Emergency 'grab bag'

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