Review the kit in front of you

Bring the supplies and your household plan together. Work through the checks below and tick each one only after looking at the item or confirming the arrangement. Ticks save in this browser. Print a copy if you want to add dates, initials and notes by hand.

Review date: ____________________   Reviewed by: ____________________

Water and food

  • Check sealed drinking-water bottles for leaks, damaged seals and labelled dates. Confirm storage still follows the manufacturer's instructions.
  • For refillable containers, check condition, cleanliness and the label showing when they were filled. Follow suitable cleaning and replacement guidance in the water storage guide.
  • Check food packaging and date labels. Do not use food after a use-by date; a best-before date concerns quality. Follow storage instructions and replace damaged or unsuitable items.
  • Use or replace supplies through normal meals and note any missing portions. Recheck allergies, preferences and food that needs cooking or refrigeration.

Equipment and care supplies

  • Switch on every torch and radio. Check battery types, condition and manufacturer instructions for spares.
  • Check power-bank charge and test each required cable with its device. Review any other backup-power equipment using its own instructions.
  • Inspect first-aid contents, hygiene products and other care supplies for damage, missing items and dates.
  • Check medicine dates and storage instructions. Ask the pharmacy or clinical team about changes, repeat-prescription timing and safe disposal of unwanted medicines.
  • Confirm powered medical equipment arrangements with the supplier and care team, including contact details and what to do if the agreed backup is unavailable.

People, pets and information

  • Check phone numbers, meeting places, keys and document copies. Replace old paper plans wherever copies are kept.
  • Review baby feeding, nappies and clothing sizes, plus children's changing needs and comfort items.
  • Review each pet's food, water, medicines, carrier or lead, and vet contacts.
  • Confirm mobility, communication and support arrangements still suit the household. Update priority-support records with providers if circumstances have changed.
  • Ask each household member to find the torch, contacts and supplies. Move items if access is difficult or their location is unclear.

Close the gaps

Write each unfinished task with a person responsible and a date. For example, "Alex: replace the radio batteries on the next shopping trip; test again on Saturday." An identified problem is useful only if someone follows it up.

Action and owner: ____________________________________________________

Due date: ____________________   Next full review: ____________________

The kit builder offers a calendar download for reviews in six and twelve months. Import the file into your calendar and choose any notification settings there. Also check the kit after it has been used, after a move or when care arrangements change.

Download the review PDF or read how to maintain a household kit for a rotation routine.

Sources

The UK Government emergency preparation checklist recommends six-month checks. See government food-labelling guidance for the distinction between use-by and best-before dates.