Personal preparedness means taking simple steps in advance so that individuals and households are better able to cope during disruption. It does not replace community emergency planning or emergency services, but it helps reduce pressure on others and makes communities more resilient overall.
Check which risks are most relevant to your area, such as flooding, heatwaves, storms or power cuts
Sign up for relevant alerts where available
Learn where to find official information during an emergency
Keep a small emergency grab bag
Store essential medication and important documents safely
Keep torches, batteries, a phone power bank and a battery-powered or wind-up radio
Store some bottled water and non-perishable food where possible
Keep key phone numbers written down
Agree how to contact family, neighbours or carers if normal communication is disrupted
Know where local meeting points or safe places are
Get to know neighbours who may need extra help
Check in on vulnerable people during extreme weather or service disruption
Share verified information, not rumours
Individual preparedness helps communities respond more effectively because fewer people are left without basic information, supplies or support. When households are better prepared, community groups can focus more quickly on those with urgent or complex needs.
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