Ready for a rough fortnight. Not the end of the world.
Power cuts, empty shelves, a cold snap, the petrol station doing that thing again. One sensible pick for every budget, and the lists a household needs to sit it out in comfort. No bunkers.
What are you getting ready for?
Pick the thing that's on your mind. Each one is a checklist, with the kit to match.
The kit, by budget
Every cupboard has one pick per price band. If you've got £20 for a power bank, here's the one. If you've got £100, here's what the extra buys and whether it's worth it.
No top tens. Nobody needs ten torches reviewed. They need one torch, and a second, cheaper torch for finding the first.
- PowerPower banks, power stations, a UPS for the router and batteries that aren't flat.
- LightTorches, lanterns and head torches. Not candles.
- CookingStoves, fuel, flasks and the alarm that goes with them.
- WarmthHeat the person, not the house. From a hot water bottle up.
- FoodLists for 3, 7 and 14 days. Mostly things you already eat.
- StorageAirtight tubs, stacking boxes and water carriers.
- WaterHow much, where to keep it, and filters for when the tap can't be trusted.
- Internet4G and 5G backup, data SIMs, and a radio that needs nothing.
- EssentialsFirst aid, medicines, loo roll, cash and the paperwork.
Worth knowing before the lights go out
- What to do when the power cuts
The first five minutes, the first evening and what changes on day two.
- The ten things every home should have
The minimum. Ten things, about an hour's work, most of it already in the house.
- The government's emergency kit list, explained
The official Be Ready checklist, item by item, with what to actually buy.
- Can you use a camping stove indoors?
The short answer is no. Here's how to get a hot dinner anyway.
- How long does food last in a power cut?
Four hours for the fridge, up to 48 for a full freezer, and what to eat first.
- How to keep the internet on in a power cut
Power the router, fall back to 4G, or tether. Three ways, cheapest first.
Hello. I'm Graham.
Mid-forties, father of one, self-appointed Head of Contingency for a three-bed semi. I'm not expecting the apocalypse. I'm expecting a Tuesday in February when the power goes off for nine hours, and I intend to spend it warm, fed and faintly smug.
This site is my working. More about me, and how picks are made.
News, when there is some
- The grid says it'll be fine this winter. Keep the torch anyway.
NESO forecasts a 9.5% buffer over peak demand. Good news, with one footnote.