When a storm interrupts electricity, water supplies, or transport, everyday necessities can quickly become harder to access. Having a few essentials ready can make those disruptions easier to manage.

Storm Boelo brought damaging winds and power cuts to parts of the UK on 25 October, following Storm Austen earlier in the weekend. The Met Office warned of danger from flying debris and large waves, with gusts reaching 84mph in Argyll and Bute.

The government’s Be Ready campaign encourages households to prepare for three days of disruption. Its checklist covers food and water, warmth, communication and individual care needs.

What to include in your emergency supplies

The following 17 items provide a practical starting point:

1. Drinking water: Allow nine liters per person for three days, plus extra for washing and cooking.

2. Food that keeps: Choose familiar foods that need neither refrigeration nor cooking.

3. Essential medicines: Arrange repeat prescriptions before supplies run low.

4. First aid supplies: Include plasters, dressings, bandages and other basic items.

5. A torch: Keep spare batteries alongside it.

6. Warm layers: Gather blankets, sleeping bags and suitable clothing.

7. An FM radio: Choose a battery-powered or wind-up model.

8. A charged power bank: Keep it available for your phone.

9. Emergency contacts: Write important telephone numbers on paper.

10. Document copies: Include identification and essential household paperwork.

11. Cash: Set aside an amount appropriate to your household’s needs.

12. Hand sanitizer: Useful when water is limited.

13. Wet wipes: Keep a supply for personal hygiene.

14. Bathroom essentials: Remember toilet paper and menstrual products.

15. Ready-to-feed infant formula: Include this if your baby needs it.

16. Nappies and baby wipes: Allow for your baby’s usual needs.

17. Pet supplies: Set aside food and drinking water for animals.

Preparation can start with a quick look around the house: a torch in a drawer, spare toiletries, or tins in a cupboard may already cover part of the list. Think about what your household would actually use during an outage, and make those essentials easy to find.

The aim is a practical reserve suited to the people—and pets—who depend on it.