PrepHome emergency box checklist
One box with everything you'd want in a power cut or a water outage, so you aren't hunting in the dark. Tick off what you have and print the list. Nothing leaves this browser.
Who's it for?
Saved in this browser for the other tools.
Your home emergency box
Torches and blankets are per person. The rest is one per home.
Check it again once a year.
Light and power
Warmth and food
Safety and paperwork
Worth adding
These aren't on the app's list. They come from Be Ready and the British Red Cross.
From preppantry.app. Checked 2 November 2026. Independent tool, not official advice.
How it works
This list starts from the home emergency box in the Prep app. We replaced its candles and matches with one torch for each person, because Be Ready says torches are safer than candles. We added the numbers and notes that the British Red Cross and Be Ready suggest.
This box is the kit, not the food and water. Be Ready asks for 3 days of both, and they usually live in the cupboard. Use the supplies calculator to count those.
Torches and blankets are per person, so two adults need 2 of each and a family of five needs 5. Keep the box where everyone can find it in the dark, and make sure anyone who looks after your home knows where it is.
About the camping stove: it's on the app's list, and it's optional. Be Ready's food list needs no cooking, and we say a stove must only be used outdoors, away from windows, following US CDC and Ready.gov advice. Gas ovens won't work without power either, Be Ready says, so plan on food that doesn't need cooking.
Common questions
What should I keep in a home emergency box?
A torch for each person, spare batteries, a battery or wind-up radio, a power bank, blankets, a manual tin opener, a first-aid kit, copies of documents, bin bags and duct tape, and a written list of numbers.
Should I keep candles for a power cut?
Be Ready says torches are safer than candles. Age UK says to use torches rather than candles where possible. This list leaves candles out.
Is it safe to use a camping stove indoors?
We say no. Be Ready's food list needs no cooking, and doesn't cover stoves. The US CDC and Ready.gov say to use camp stoves outdoors only, away from windows, because of carbon monoxide. We follow that.
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. Keep the numbers on paper, as your phone may not be charged.
How often should I check the box?
Test the torches and radio and top up the power bank once a year at least. Be Ready suggests a reminder every six months for dates on your food, water and medicines.
Sources
- Be Ready: power cuts
- Be Ready checklist
- British Red Cross: prepare an emergency kit
- Be Ready: flooding (how to turn off utilities)
- Be Ready: cold weather, snow and ice (carbon monoxide alarms)
- Age UK: prepare for a storm
- CDC: protect yourself during a power outage (camp stoves, US advice)
- Ready.gov: power outages (camp stoves, US advice)
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.