The emergency ‘grab bag’ checklist every Brit needs to prep for Doomsday

It’s better to be prepared (Picture: Getty Images) The UK is set to be rocked by a ‘godzilla’ El Niño towards the end of 2026, which could be the strongest on record. As a result, strong winds and storms could cause devastation throughout Britain. When we saw an El Niño in the winter of 2015/16, we saw some of the most ‘extreme’ flooding in recent history. And, the National Flood Risk Assessment indicates that 6.3 million properties in England alone are currently at risk of flooding from rivers, the sea, or surface water. So, we should all be doing a little doomsday prep to make sure we can stay safe and well. We’ve already covered the essential, if not slightly depressing, stock cupboard list every Brit needs to ensure they have enough food. And, we’ve given you the lowdown on the first aid kit supplies you should stock up on. But, you also need to be able to leave your house quickly in the case of an emergency, and the government wants you to have what is known as a ‘grab bag’ ready, to make an evacuation as seamless as possible. Getting started First, it’s helpful to know if you’re home is at risk of flooding so you can be prepared for that possibility. The government has an online service which allows you to find out if your home is in a long term flood risk area, and what might cause flooding. If you are in a high risk area for events like flooding, you can sign up to receive flood warnings by phone or email. The government advises moving sentimental or valuable items that you can’t take with you upstairs or to a high place such as the top shelf or drawer of a cabinet. Familiarising yourself with how to turn off your gas, electricity and water will also be useful, if you need to leave your home. Flooding is very likely in some parts of the country, so you may need to evacuate (Picture: Getty Images) You should also store important documents in resealable water-tight plastic bags to help protect them from water damage. You may also choose to put them in your grab bag, so you have them with you. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. It’s important to note that you should never stop to get your grab bag in the event of a fire, you should get yourself and your family immediately to safety. What to put in your grab bag You’ll want to get yourself a nice big bag to fill, that you can store somewhere easily accessible (ideally near the front door). The government’s Prepare campaign has a comprehensive list of everything that you should be packing in your grab bag. First up is a wind-up or battery powered torch, which are ‘much safer than candles’. This can be useful in the event of power cuts too, even if you don’t need to leave your home. Millions of homes could now face three-hour power cuts at short notice, after new rules came into effect in August, to avoid widespread blackouts when energy supplies run low. In the same wheelhouse, you’ll need to pack a portable power bank to charge your phone, and a battery-powered or wind-up radio. This will allowyou to follow government updates, as Uswitch research found 26.7 million people lost their broadband connection in the past year, with power cuts overtaking provider faults as the number one cause of outages. Spare batteries for all of the above will also be important to pack, and you should consider backup batteries in case you have any medical equipment that needs powering. A first aid kit is a must-have, and don’t worry, we’ve got the list of what medical supplies you’ll need here. Pack what prescribed medication you need, too. You can add whatever else you think you may need (Picture: Getty Images) Another recommended item is hand sanitiser and wet wipes, in case you have no access to clean water. A fundamental part of this grab bag is bottled water. The government states: ‘There is no standard figure for this as emergencies can vary in duration and people use different amounts. ‘A minimum of 2.5-3 litres of drinking water per person per day is recommended by the World Health Organisation for survival. But 10 litres per person per day will make you more comfortable, by also providing for basic cooking and hygiene needs. ‘Additional water might be needed to make up baby formula, for medical devices and for pets.’ We’ve got the stock list of non-perishable food to prepare for food shortages, but the government advises you to pack ready-to-eat tinned food (as well as a tin-opener) in your grab bag. This includes ready-to-eat tinned meats, fruits and veggies that don’t need cooking. Of course, if you’ve got pets, you’ll need to pack food for them, too. Last, but definitely not least is baby supplies. This includes nappies and baby formula. The website states: ‘Ready made or “ready-to-feed” formula is best as you may not be able to boil water or sterilise bottles.’ Deals of the Day Kurt Geiger's new Notting Hill collection is a love letter to London's chaotic weather Dyson fans are swapping to this Hoover vacuum-mop that washes floors as it cleans I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Warm, dry waterproof clothing should also be included, and your important documents and contacts for things like insurance in a sealed bag, as mentioned. The UK has been hit with bad flooding before (Picture: Getty Images) Your grab bag list Wind-up or battery powered torch Portable power bank Battery-powered or wind-up radio Spare batteries A first aid kit Hand sanitiser and wet wipes Bottled water Non-perishable food Pet food Baby supplies Warm, dry waterproof clothing Important documents Make sure everything is kept in date and batteries are kept charged if needed. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Hailstones ‘the size of tennis balls’ leave holes in cars after massive storm Arrow MORE: How will the higher energy price cap impact your bills? Arrow MORE: Hundreds of prisoners are due to walk free tomorrow The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.