PrepEmergency kit for an older relative
A list to go through with an older parent, relative or neighbour, for a power cut or a storm. Pick what applies, tick things off together, and print a copy for them. Nothing leaves this browser.
What applies to them?
Their emergency kit
Check it again every 6 months.
Medicines and health
Power cut basics
Numbers and papers
Arrange ahead
From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.
How it works
Be Ready has no separate list for older people, so we've joined the sources that apply. The power cut items come from Age UK's advice on preparing for a storm. Health items come from the British Red Cross list and Be Ready's page for disabled people and carers. The water figure is Be Ready's: 3 litres a day for 3 days.
The plan matters as much as the box. Age UK suggests writing down key numbers, checking medicines, finding out how bad weather affects care visits, and arranging help in advance if someone lives alone or uses medical equipment. Be Ready says to agree a backup plan with anyone who may need extra support.
Older adults are among those most likely to become ill if they get too cold, Be Ready says. In cold weather it advises heating the rooms used most to at least 18°C. In a power cut, it says, gas boilers and ovens won't work, so blankets and layers go in the kit.
The Priority Services Register is free, and pension age can be enough to qualify. Use our checker to see who can join.
Go through this with them rather than for them. It's their home, and they'll know what they use and where it is.
Common questions
What should an older person keep ready for a power cut?
Age UK lists a torch and spare batteries, a charged mobile and power bank, bottled water, food that needs no cooking, medicines, a battery or wind-up radio, and back-up power for essential medical equipment.
What is the Priority Services Register?
A free register run by energy and water companies for people who need extra help, including people of pension age. Companies can give extra support during a power cut or water outage.
What number do I call in a power cut?
105 in England, Scotland and Wales, which is free. In Northern Ireland it's 03457 643643.
My parent uses oxygen or a stairlift. What should we do?
Be Ready says to make a plan with their care provider or clinical team before a power cut, understand what the equipment does without power, and keep instructions and charged back-up batteries with it.
Will a landline or telecare alarm work in a power cut?
Not always. Be Ready says to ask the provider. Some may offer a free back-up battery unit that lasts at least one hour. Arrange for someone to check in if they haven't heard from the person.
Sources
- Age UK: prepare for a storm (updated 5 October 2026)
- Be Ready: advice for disabled persons and carers
- Be Ready: be ready for emergencies
- Be Ready: power cuts
- Be Ready: cold weather, snow and ice
- British Red Cross: prepare an emergency kit
- Priority Services Register
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Checked on 2 November 2026. This is an independent tool and not official advice. See sources and method.