Practical guides

Choose and prepare an accessible way to contact UK emergency services. Compare 999 BSL, Relay UK's 18000 route and registered emergencySMS before you need help.

Bug out bag UK checklist for each person: adults, children, babies, pets, medicines and documents, a sensible weight and where to keep it. Printable.

Check UK food and equipment recalls against the exact products in your emergency kit, follow the notice and replace the supplies you can no longer count on.

Find confirmed rest-centre information, explain household and access needs on arrival, ask about pets and plan your next safe place after evacuation.

Plan how to leave home without a car, check realistic transport and walking options, explain assistance needs and find confirmed evacuation information.

Lock a missing phone, contact your mobile provider and protect accounts. Then restore household contact, travel and essential services using another route.

Check fuel levels, confirm your order and plan warmth before a heating oil or bulk LPG delivery is delayed. Includes supplier questions and safe limits.

Baofeng UV-5R in the UK: when you need an Ofcom licence, why it isn't a PMR446 radio, and how to set it up and program channels safely.

Build an emergency plan around communication, assistance, transport and access, with practical checks for disabled people and their support networks.

Agree school collection, backup adults and meeting points for days when travel, phone networks or access to home are disrupted.

Plan essential household tasks, care, supplies and decisions during disruption lasting beyond a few days, without relying on large stockpiles.

Understand UK amateur radio training, Ofcom licensing, realistic range, practice and emergency-volunteering options before buying a transmitter.