1. Choose the interruption to plan for

Think about what would change if your electricity, water, transport or phone connection stopped working. Start with a short interruption and the people you live with. If someone relies on powered medical equipment or regular care, begin with their supplier or care team: a general shopping list cannot establish a safe backup.

Find official help and current warnings if an interruption is already happening. For planning in advance, browse all preparedness topics.

2. Check what you already have

Find a working torch, suitable batteries, phone charger, warm layers and any useful food or water already at home. Test the torch and match its batteries. Set aside equipment where household members can reach it without blocking an exit.

The budget guide helps separate useful gaps from unnecessary purchases. Do not put yourself under financial pressure to complete everything at once.

3. Work out water and familiar meals

The government's emergency preparation checklist uses at least three litres of drinking water per person per day for three days as a starting point. Cooking, washing, pets and individual needs require separate thought. Use the water calculator to work through quantities and containers.

Choose meals you normally eat, including options that need no cooking or refrigeration. Check allergies, feeding needs and whether you can open the packaging. Read the no-cook meals guide and rotating food cupboard guide before buying extra food.

4. Make light and communication practical

Charge a suitable power bank and check the actual cable you will use. Keep important contacts on paper. Ask your phone provider what happens to your landline during a power cut; do not assume a phone plugged into a router works when the router loses power.

Use the power-cut guide and mobile-network guide to identify the services your household depends on.

5. Write a short household plan

Agree where to meet and whom to contact if people cannot get home or reach each other. Include children, pets, access needs and existing care arrangements. Ask anyone you want to help before assigning them a job.

The household plan can be saved in your browser and printed. Keep private details out of public messages and use a trusted device for saved personal information.

6. Make a list and choose your next job

Open the kit builder, enter your household and tick what you already have. Work from the missing items instead of buying another complete set. Review stored supplies as you use them, and set a reminder with the six-month review.

If you prefer paper, the printable library includes a first-ten-actions sheet and a household plan. Pick the format you will actually use.