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Make an emergency kit

Last updated
24 Mar 2026

An emergency kit is one of the best ways to deal with the unexpected. It can help prepare you for a wide range of emergency situations. It can also minimise the stress or expense that unexpected events can bring.

Home emergency kit

You can build up a home emergency kit over time and keep it in a safe place. You do not need to buy all the items at once.

It’s important to remember that you are the best person to make decisions for your household. What you think might be most useful to put in your kit will depend on:

  • who lives with you
  • where you live
  • your personal circumstances
  • whether you or someone in your household has a disability, health condition or access need

For example, rural areas are more likely to be cut off from the shops during snow. People in flood-risk areas may wish to be ready to leave their home at short notice if required.

What to put in your home emergency kit

Make sure that you include a copy of your household emergency plan.

Other items you can add to your emergency kit are:

  • a battery-operated torch and spare batteries (or a wind-up torch)
  • a battery-operated radio and spare batteries (or a wind-up radio)
  • a mobile phone charger
  • any equipment you rely on with spare chargers or power banks
  • any essential medication, medical information and prescriptions
  • a first aid kit and face masks
  • toiletries, hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene
  • 3 days' supply of bottled water and food that does not need cooking and will not go off, or that you rely on
  • copies of important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates and photo ID
  • blankets
  • pencil, paper, pre-printed cards, tactile or large print information you need
  • a whistle
  • spare keys to your home and car
  • spare glasses or contact lenses
  • spare hearing aids with batteries
  • a spare walking stick or any mobility devices you need
  • pet supplies and any documents or supplies for assistance animals
  • formula or baby food

You could keep some of the kit in a waterproof bag in case you need to leave your home without notice. For example, if your home is at risk of flooding.

Car emergency kit

Emergencies like severe weather can cause travel disruption and delay. Plan ahead and avoid travel unless it’s essential. Check travel warnings and live traffic information on the Traffic Scotland website.

Items you can include in a car emergency kit are:

  • a de-icer
  • an ice scraper
  • a torch and spare batteries
  • a high visibility jacket
  • spare warm clothes and boots
  • a blanket
  • a first aid kit
  • a phone charger
  • battery jump leads
  • a reflective warning sign
  • a map
  • a snow shovel
  • some food and a warm drink in a flask

Consider alternative routes and ways to travel.

Check if your service is affected at Traveline Scotland online or by phone. Or check directly with your public transport operator.

Phone Traveline Scotland

0141 465 1878
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out about call charges on GOV.UK.

Emergency contacts

Have one or more emergency contact numbers on your phone or in your bag. 

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