In a world where uncertainty seems to grow by the day, being prepared is no longer a fringe idea—it’s a practical approach to self-reliance and peace of mind. Whether it's power outages, supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, or civil disturbances, having a plan and the right knowledge can make all the difference.

Here are 20 essential emergency preparation tips tailored specifically for those living in the UK. These are perfect whether you're new to prepping or looking to strengthen your existing plans.

Understand the UK-Specific Risks

Prepping in Britain isn’t about expecting a Hollywood-style apocalypse. It's about being ready for realistic emergencies—floods, storms, fuel shortages, power cuts, or public transport disruptions. Start by evaluating the most likely risks in your local area using government resources like the UK Resilience Framework or your local council’s emergency preparedness advice. To make this even easier we have compiled a whole host of risk registers within the files section of our members area!

Build a Layered Emergency Kit

A good emergency kit has layers:

• Everyday Carry (EDC) – Small items like a torch, multitool, lighter, and mini first-aid kit.

• Grab Bag (72-Hour Bag) – Essentials to sustain you for three days: food, water, first aid, hygiene items, power banks, etc.

• Home Kit – Supplies that allow you to shelter in place at home for up to two weeks or more.

Each layer should be adaptable, season-appropriate, and reviewed regularly.

Stockpile Sustainably

As a prepper you don’t need to panic-buy or fill your home with tinned peas. Instead, use the “store what you eat, eat what you store” method. Build up a stock of long-life food and essentials gradually, focusing on foods your family will actually eat.

Include:

• Tinned proteins (beans, fish, lentils)

• UHT milk, oats, pasta, rice

• Long-life fruit and vegetables

• Salt, sugar, flour

• Water purification tablets & filters

Water Is Priority One For Preppers

The UK has a reliable water infrastructure, but that doesn’t mean it’s invulnerable. Flooding or pipe damage can interrupt your supply. Store at least 2 litres per person per day, ideally for 7 days. That’s 14 litres per person minimum.

Also invest in:

• Water purification tablets

• A compact water filter (like Sawyer Mini or LifeSaver Bottle)

• Knowledge of how to purify water without electricity

  
  

Learn First Aid – And Keep It Up to Date

A well-stocked first aid kit is useless without the knowledge to use it. Get qualified with a recognised first aid course (St John Ambulance, Red Cross, etc.) and practise regularly.

Build a robust home first aid kit with:

• Wound dressings

• Antiseptic

• Sterile gloves

• Plasters

• Pain relief

• Medications specific to your family’s needs

Get to Know Your Neighbours

In times of crisis, community is king. Build relationships with neighbours, join your local UKSN Charter, or start one yourself. Mutual assistance and local knowledge can be lifesaving during blackouts, food shortages, or severe weather. With this said, never reveal all of your 'cards' to anyone.

Back-Up Your Power

Power cuts are on the rise across Europe. Be ready with:

• Battery-powered or crank torches

• Solar chargers for phones and radios

• Rechargeable battery packs

• A solar panel or small generator (where appropriate and safe)

Never use fuel-based generators indoors. They produce deadly carbon monoxide.

Keep a Paper Map and Compass

Don’t rely solely on GPS and smartphones. A paper Ordnance Survey map of your local area and a compass are essential for navigation during emergencies, especially when travelling on foot.

Prepare Your Home for Shelter-In-Place Scenarios

You may be safer staying put than bugging out. Secure your home with:

• Thermal blankets and extra duvets for winter power outages

• Cooking methods that don’t rely on mains electricity (e.g. camping stoves, wood burners)

• A safe room with your grab bag, torches, radio, and emergency supplies

Make your home a haven in bad weather or unrest.

Keep a Go-Bag by the Door

This is your bug-out bag—packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice. It should contain:

• Copies of ID and documents (paper & USB)

• Non-perishable food

• Water and purification tools

• Warm clothing

• First aid kit

• Torch and radio

• Emergency cash

• Whistle and signalling mirror

Customise it for your personal needs and local risks.

11. Use a Radio—And Know How to Use It

In an emergency, mobile networks can go down or become overloaded. Having reliable communications is essential, especially when you need updates, coordination, or support from others in your area.

Start with a wind-up or battery-powered radio to receive official broadcasts (such as BBC Radio 4 or local emergency bulletins). But don’t stop there—consider getting a HAM (amateur) radio licence. It gives you access to long-range communication that works independently of mainstream infrastructure.

If you're a UKSN paid member*, you're eligible to use the UKSN group radio licence, which makes getting started much easier. It's a great way to connect with others across the UKSN network, especially during a widespread emergency.

For short-range, low-power communications, look into Project Lora, our UKSN initiative that enables text-based messaging using LoRa radio technology. These devices use very little power, have incredible range in the right conditions, and are completely independent of the internet or mobile networks.

Together, HAM and LoRa provide a powerful backup comms plan—and both are legally compliant and actively supported within the UKSN community.

Stay Informed but Avoid Panic

Follow local authorities, Met Office alerts, and community updates via UKSN social channels, the UKSN Crisis Centre or GOV.UK. But don’t get caught in fear loops. Preparedness is about calm confidence, not anxiety.

Rotate and Maintain Your Supplies

Set a calendar reminder every 3–6 months to:

• Check expiry dates on food and medicine

• Replace batteries

• Test torches and water filters

• Review and refresh your gear

Consistent upkeep is better than starting over every time.

Plan for Pets

Your pets are part of the family. Keep a stash of pet food, medications, and a carry cage or bug-out kit. Make sure they have ID tags and are microchipped.

Financial Preparedness

In the event of a power cut or system failure, card payments may not work. Keep a small amount of emergency cash in low denominations. Also consider:

• A basic offline budget plan

• Emergency fund savings

• Hard copies of critical financial info (bank details, insurance contacts)

Learn to Cook Without Power

Master simple meals you can make with a gas camping stove, BBQ, or fire pit. Canned stews, soups, and dry goods like couscous and noodles are quick and easy. Don’t forget how useful a Kelly Kettle or Dutch oven can be in a prepping context.

Understand Sanitation Without Plumbing

A power or water outage could affect toilets. Have:

• Disposable gloves

• Black bin bags and a bucket with a lid

• Cat litter, sawdust, or dry soil for makeshift toilets

• Bleach and disinfectant

Basic hygiene can prevent serious illness in a crisis.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Every family member should know:

• How to contact each other

• Where to meet if phones are down

• Who collects the kids if parents can’t

• What to do if you're not at home

Practice your plan so it becomes second nature.

Develop Self-Sufficiency Skills

Learn practical skills like:

• Bushcraft and wild food foraging

• Knot tying

• Fire lighting

• Growing your own food

• Repairing clothing and tools

Get Involved with Your Local UKSN Charter

Your local UKSN Charter is a member-run group that promotes community resilience, knowledge sharing, and mutual assistance. Whether you live in the city, countryside, or coast, being part of a Charter gives you access to:

• Training events

• Local support networks

• Group buys for gear

• Shared prepping and growing projects

• Emergency assistance in times of need

Find or start a Charter and be part of something bigger than survival—it’s about thriving together.

Final Thoughts on Emergency Preparedness & Prepping

Prepping in the UK doesn’t have to be extreme. At its core, it’s about practical readiness, community, and peace of mind. It means knowing that you and your family are ready for life’s uncertainties, no matter how big or small.

Join the UKSN family, attend a camp, connect with a Charter, and take your next step towards confident, compassionate preparedness.

Together, we don’t just survive—we grow stronger, together.