Real readiness is not a bunker fantasy. It is being able to manage everyday essentials if water, power, shops or communications are temporarily unavailable. Start with what you already own; build a sensible kit over time.
1. Begin with water and food
Review the number of people in your household and their individual needs. For drinking water, Czech 72 Hours guidance gives an emergency baseline of around 2 litres per adult per day; you may need more for cooking, hygiene, heat or special needs. Keep safe water and a way to carry more if an official collection point opens.
- Store drinking water in clean, closed containers, and check storage guidance.
- Set aside non-perishable food you can safely eat even if cooking is unavailable.
- Include a manual can opener when your food needs one.
2. Keep basic services going
Prepare simple items that help you see, communicate and keep warm while utilities are disrupted.
- Use a flashlight or battery lantern and keep working spare batteries.
- Keep a charged power bank and a battery or wind-up radio.
- Have suitable warm layers, hygiene supplies and basic first aid materials.
3. Include the people you care for
One universal kit cannot fit every household. Plan separately for medicines, babies, accessibility needs and pets.
- Review any essential medication or medical-device backup plan with the appropriate clinician or provider.
- Keep paper contacts, copies of important documents and some small cash notes.
- Agree a meeting point and check on neighbours who might need extra support.
4. Review before buying
Check your kit periodically and after household changes. Start with essentials; equipment is a supplement to a good plan, not a substitute.
- Check expiry dates and rotate food and water as appropriate.
- Test flashlights and radios and recharge power banks.
- Make sure household members know where supplies are kept.
Sources and review
Editorial summary reviewed on . For local or changing hazards, consult the original sources and authorities.
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