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 (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.