Use something like an old rucksack to hold items that will be useful if you need to leave the house quickly in an emergency such as a fire or a flood.
The items for each household can vary but may contain some or all of the following:
- a first aid kit and vital medication
- copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
- copies of prescriptions for regular medication
- a torch (preferably a wind-up torch)
- a radio (with local stations pre-set)
- spare batteries if the torch or radio
- bottled water and some non-perishable emergency foods
- basic toiletries and sanitary supplies
- baby or infant supplies
- spare warm clothes for the winter / sun cream during the summer
- spare sets of keys for home and car
- mobile phone and charger
- spare money and cards
- notebook with pen and pencil
- spare contact lenses or glasses
- a USB with important computer files
- pet food and a toy
- any other items that might provide some comfort if you have to leave your home in a hurry.