# Civilian Survival Handbook

> Calm, practical household emergency planning for UK homes: "Prepared, not panicked." Independent guides checked against official UK sources (GOV.UK and the Be Ready campaign, Met Office, NHS, UKHSA, Ofgem, the Environment Agency, the electricity network operators on 105, DWI), each dated and cited, plus printable and fillable household planning records sold as one-off PDFs.

Not affiliated with the UK Government or any network operator. General information, not professional, medical or safety advice. In an emergency call 999.

Key facts we use most (official sources, checked 28 October 2026):
- Power cut in Great Britain: call 105 (free) to reach your local electricity network operator. Northern Ireland: NIE Networks (see our NIE page).
- GOV.UK Be Ready: be ready for 3 days; 3 litres of drinking water per person per day; heat the rooms you use most to at least 18°C in cold weather.
- Cold Weather Payment 2026/27: £25 for each 7-day very cold period between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2027, paid automatically to eligible people (gov.uk/cold-weather-payment).
- Cold-Health Alerts (UKHSA with the Met Office, England only): core season 1 November to 31 March on the GOV.UK overview page; yellow, amber or red.
- Floodline (England, Scotland, Wales): 0345 988 1188, 24 hours.
- Gas emergency: 0800 111 999 (Great Britain), 0800 002 001 (Northern Ireland).
- Storm names 2026/27 (Met Office UK Storm Centre, read 28 October 2026): Austen (named 20 October 2026), Boelo (named 22 October 2026), then Chloe, Dano, Evelyn, Finn, Gwendolyn, Heather, Ivy, Jade, Kilian, Laoise, Miriam, Nicola, Olaf, Phelim, Ruban, Shaun, Theo, Vesna, Wende.

## Power cuts (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)
- [Electricity North West power cut: what to do](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/electricity-north-west/): Electricity North West, which now also uses the name SP Electricity North West, runs the local electricity network in North West England, from the Lake District to Manchester. To report a power cut, call 105 free or use the online form on its website, where you can also check its live fault list. Its priority services register is called the Extra Care register, and most compensation is paid automatically.
- [Long blackout or cyber attack: keeping your household going](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/long-blackout-cyber-attack/): The UK National Risk Register plans for a total failure of Great Britain's electricity transmission system, with most demand back within a few days and full restoration taking up to 7 days. Prepare by keeping 3 days of water (3 litres per person per day), cash, a battery or wind-up FM radio, a torch, warm layers and paper copies of key numbers.
- [National Grid power cut: how to report it and check the map](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/national-grid/): National Grid Electricity Distribution (formerly Western Power Distribution) runs the local electricity network in the Midlands, South Wales and South West England. To report a power cut, call 105 free or 0800 6783 105, or use its online power cut map. If you live elsewhere in Great Britain, a different network operator handles your power cuts.
- [NIE Networks power cut: what to do in Northern Ireland](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/nie-networks/): NIE Networks runs the electricity network in Northern Ireland. To report a power cut, call 03457 643 643, report online or by WhatsApp, and check the Powercheck map for updates — 105 is for England, Scotland and Wales. If power isn't back within 24 hours, homes can claim £50 plus £25 for every further 12 hours, but you must claim within one month, and severe weather exemptions can apply.
- [Northern Powergrid power cut: what to do](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/northern-powergrid/): Northern Powergrid runs the local electricity network for the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire. To report a power cut or check when it will be back, call 105 free or use the power cut map and reporting tools on Northern Powergrid's own website. If you need extra help, join its priority services register; most power cut compensation is paid automatically.
- [Power cut compensation UK: how much and how to claim](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/power-cut-compensation/): In England, Scotland and Wales, Ofgem's guaranteed standards mean homes get £100 if power is off for more than 12 hours in normal weather (24 hours if 5,000 or more properties are affected), plus £45 for each further 12 hours. In storms, payments start at £90 after 24 or 48 hours and can reach £2,235. Most payments are automatic; in Northern Ireland, NIE Networks pays £50 after 24 hours plus £25 per further 12 hours, but you must claim within one month.
- [Who is my electricity network operator? UK power cuts by area](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/): Your electricity supplier sends the bills, but a separate network operator runs the local wires and fixes power cuts. In England, Scotland and Wales, call 105 free and you'll be put through to your network operator; in Northern Ireland, contact NIE Networks on 03457 643 643. Great Britain has 14 distribution network operators owned by six groups, each with its own live power cut map.
- [Power cuts in the UK: what to do](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/pillars/power/): In a power cut, first check whether neighbours have power: if they do, the problem is probably your own fuses or trip switch. If not, report it to your electricity network operator by calling 105 free in England, Scotland and Wales, or 03457 643 643 in Northern Ireland. Use torches rather than candles, keep the fridge and freezer shut, check on vulnerable neighbours, and never use barbecues or camping stoves indoors.
- [Priority Services Register: a plain guide](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/priority-services-register/): The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free register run by each energy supplier and network operator, giving extra help such as priority support in emergencies and advance notice of planned power cuts. You may qualify if you've reached State Pension age, are pregnant or have young children, have a disability or long-term condition, or your circumstances have recently changed. Contact your supplier and network operator to join; water companies run their own registers.
- [SP Energy Networks power cut: what to do](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/sp-energy-networks/): SP Energy Networks runs the local electricity network in central and southern Scotland, North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire and north Shropshire. To report a power cut or check when it will be back, call 105 free or use the power cut tools on SP Energy Networks' own website. If you need extra help, join its Priority Services Register; most compensation is paid automatically.
- [SSEN power cut: how to report it and use Power Track](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/ssen/): Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) runs the local electricity network in the north of Scotland and central southern England. To report a power cut, call 105 free at any time, or use SSEN's Power Track website or free Power Track app, which also shows a live map of faults and estimated restoration times.
- [UK Power Networks power cut: how to report it and check the map](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/uk-power-networks/): UK Power Networks runs the local electricity network across London, the South East and the East of England. To report a power cut, call 105 or 0800 31 63 105 — both free and open 24 hours — or check its live power cut map and list online. It's a network operator, not your energy supplier.
## Storms, floods and extreme weather
- [Staying in touch when networks fail](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/pillars/communication/): Digital landlines need mains power, so they stop working in a power cut unless you have a battery back-up — and providers must offer one free if you rely on your landline and have no working mobile or signal. Keep a charged mobile and power bank, a battery or wind-up FM radio, and a written contact plan so your household can still get news and reach each other.
- [Extreme weather in the UK: heatwaves, storms, floods and wildfires](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/extreme-weather-uk/): In the UK, watch Met Office weather warnings (yellow, amber, red), which cover rain, thunderstorms, wind, snow, lightning, ice, extreme heat and fog up to seven days ahead. In England, UKHSA also issues heat-health alerts from 1 June to 30 September. Sign up for free flood warnings, call 999 for any wildfire, and keep a simple household plan and kit.
- [Storm and flood preparation in the UK](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/storm-flood-preparation-uk/): To prepare for a UK storm or flood, check Met Office warnings and sign up for free flood warnings (Floodline 0345 988 1188 in England, Scotland and Wales). Secure loose items outside, keep a flood kit with insurance documents, a battery or wind-up radio, medication, water and food, and know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water.
- [UK Emergency Alerts: a calm guide](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/uk-emergency-alerts/): UK Emergency Alerts are free government warnings sent to compatible mobile phones and tablets near a life-threatening emergency, such as severe flooding or extreme storms. Your phone may make a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, even on silent. Stop what you're doing (unless you're driving) and follow the instructions in the alert; alerts never ask for personal details.
- [Wind-up radios: what to look for before you buy](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/wind-up-radio-guide/): A good wind-up radio for a UK home should receive FM (and ideally DAB+), have more than one way to power it — hand crank plus USB or batteries — and a built-in torch. Treat any phone-charging feature as an emergency top-up, not a full charge, and don't buy one for long wave Radio 4, which closed in June 2026.
- [UK storm names 2026/27 and what weather warnings mean](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/storm-names-2026-27/): The Met Office, Met Éireann and the Dutch weather service KNMI name a storm when it could cause disruption or damage serious enough for an amber or red warning. The 2026/27 list starts Austen, Boelo, Chloe. Met Office warnings are yellow, amber or red, based on how big the impact could be and how likely it is, and can be issued up to seven days ahead.
## Cold weather and winter money
- [Carbon monoxide at home: signs, alarms and what to do](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/carbon-monoxide-at-home/): The NHS lists carbon monoxide symptoms as headache, dizziness, feeling or being sick, weakness, tiredness and confusion, chest or muscle pain, shortness of breath, facial flushing and vision loss, and they often ease when you leave the building. If you suspect carbon monoxide, stop using the appliance, get outside into fresh air and get medical advice. Call 999 for serious symptoms, and call the gas emergency line: 0800 111 999 in Great Britain or 0800 002 001 in Northern Ireland.
- [Cold Weather Payment 2026/27: who gets it and how much](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/cold-weather-payment/): Cold Weather Payment is £25 for each 7-day period when your area's average temperature is recorded or forecast at 0°C or below, between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2027. You usually qualify if you get Pension Credit, or certain Universal Credit, income-related ESA or Support for Mortgage Interest awards. It is paid automatically. Scotland has a yearly Winter Heating Payment instead.
- [Warm Home Discount 2026/27: who qualifies and when you get it](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/warm-home-discount/): The Warm Home Discount is a one-off £150 discount on your electricity bill for winter 2026/27. In England and Wales you usually get it automatically if, on 23 August 2026, you or your partner got Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, income-related ESA or Pension Credit and your name is on the bill. Scotland has different rules, and the scheme doesn't run in Northern Ireland.
- [Winter Fuel Payment 2026/27: who gets it, how much and when](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/winter-fuel-payment/): For winter 2026/27, Winter Fuel Payment is £100 to £300 if you were born on or before 27 June 1960 and usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Most people are paid automatically in November or December 2026. If your own income is over £35,000, HMRC takes it back through tax. Scotland has the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead.
- [UKHSA Cold-Health Alerts explained](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/cold-health-alerts-uk/): Cold-Health Alerts are issued in England by the UK Health Security Agency with the Met Office when cold weather could affect health. They are yellow, amber or red; a red alert means a significant risk to life even for healthy people. The core season is 1 November to 31 March. Anyone can sign up for the free emails. Be Ready advises heating the rooms you use most to at least 18°C.
- [How to stop pipes freezing (UK), and what to do if one freezes or bursts](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/frozen-burst-pipes/): The Consumer Council for Water advises finding your stop tap (often under the kitchen sink), lagging exposed pipes, covering outside taps and fixing dripping taps. If a pipe freezes, turn off the stop tap, switch off the immersion heater and central heating, leave the cold tap on and thaw the pipe slowly with gentle warmth, never a naked flame.
## Water, food and emergency kit
- [Boil water notice: what it means and what to do](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/boil-water-notice/): A boil water notice means your tap water might contain bacteria, viruses or parasites. Bring tap water to a rolling boil and let it cool before using it for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice, preparing food, cleaning feeding equipment or giving to pets. Showering, laundry, toilet flushing and washing dishes in hot water can carry on, and you keep boiling until your water company says the notice is lifted.
- [Car emergency kit UK: what to keep in your car (and a winter list)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/car-emergency-kit-uk/): GOV.UK's Be Ready advice is to keep a torch, an in-car phone charger or power bank, warm clothes and blankets, high-visibility clothing, jump leads, food and drink, a first aid kit and a shovel in your vehicle in case you're delayed or stranded. For winter, the Highway Code adds a de-icer and ice scraper and boots. If you break down on a motorway, National Highways' advice is go left, get safe, get help.
- [Emergency food at home: a 72-hour UK cupboard](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/pillars/food/): GOV.UK recommends keeping 3 days of non-perishable food that doesn't need refrigeration or cooking, such as tinned meat, fish or vegetables, dried fruit and nuts, and buying food you'd usually eat. Build it gradually on normal shopping trips, check dates every six months, and in a power cut eat chilled food first: a fridge stays cold for about 4 hours with the door shut.
- [Grab bag list UK: what to pack if you have to leave home](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/grab-bag-list-uk/): A grab bag is a spare bag of essentials you can pick up if you're asked to leave home quickly, for example because of flooding. Based on GOV.UK Be Ready and British Red Cross advice, pack medication, a first aid kit, copies of important documents in a waterproof bag, a torch, a phone charger and power bank, cash, drinking water, snacks, and warm waterproof clothing, plus items for children and pets. Keep it somewhere easy to reach and check it every six months.
- [The 72-hour emergency kit for UK households](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/pillars/kit/): A UK 72-hour emergency kit is a small store of everyday supplies that lets your household manage for three days if power, water or phones are disrupted. GOV.UK's Be Ready checklist covers bottled water (3 litres per person per day for drinking), no-cook food, a torch, an FM radio, a power bank, cash, documents, first aid and medication, and warm bedding. Build it gradually and check it every six months.
- [Prepping in the UK: a calm beginner's guide](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/prepping-uk/): Prepping in the UK doesn't need bunkers or stockpiles — it means being able to manage for about three days if power, water or phones are disrupted, which is what GOV.UK's Be Ready guidance asks of households. Start with water (3 litres per person per day for drinking), no-cook food, a torch, an FM radio, a power bank, cash, medication and a simple household plan, and build up gradually.
- [Two weeks of emergency supplies: a sensible extended plan](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/two-week-emergency-supplies/): The UK's official baseline is 3 days of supplies, including 3 litres of drinking water per person per day. Sweden and Norway suggest a week and Germany 10 days. To reach two weeks, build up gradually from your 3-day kit during normal shopping: two weeks of drinking water is 42 litres per person, before cooking and washing.
- [UK emergency kit checklist (printable)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/uk-emergency-kit-checklist/): This UK emergency kit checklist lists what a household needs for 72 hours at home, based on GOV.UK's Be Ready checklist: bottled water (3 litres per person per day for drinking), no-cook food for 3 days, a torch, an FM radio, a charged power bank, cash, document copies, first aid and medication, and warm bedding. Tick it off here, or get the printable PDF.
- [Emergency water at home: how much to store and how](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/pillars/water/): GOV.UK recommends storing 3 litres of drinking water per person per day for 3 days, so about 9 litres per person, with extra for cooking, washing, babies, medical devices and pets. Keep sealed bottled water, check the dates every six months, and register for your water company's Priority Services Register if someone in your home needs extra help.
- [The Be Ready checklist explained (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/be-ready-checklist/): Be Ready is the UK Government's emergency preparedness campaign. Its checklist asks households to be ready for 3 days: bottled water (3 litres per person per day for drinking), non-perishable food, a torch, a battery or wind-up FM radio, a charged power bank, cash, copies of documents, first aid and medicines, plus baby and pet items. Build it gradually and check it every six months.
## Household plan, documents, older people, children and pets
- [Emergency contacts list template (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-contacts-list-template/): A good UK emergency contacts list has the national numbers (999 or 112, NHS 111, police 101, power cuts 105, gas emergencies 0800 111 999), your local water and flood lines, and the people you would actually ring. Keep it on paper somewhere easy to find in a power cut, and add emergency contacts to your phone's Medical ID or emergency information.
- [Emergency planning for older people and carers (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-plan-older-people-carers/): For older people and carers, an emergency plan means joining the free Priority Services Register with your energy and water companies, writing down the cared-for person's medicines, needs and contacts (Carers UK's MyBackUp tool helps), asking your council about a carers emergency card, and ordering repeat prescriptions in good time. Agree who will check in person if the power or phones go down.
- [How to make a household emergency plan (UK template)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/pillars/plan/): A household emergency plan is a short written record of who lives with you and what they need, key phone numbers, an agreed meeting point and where your water, gas and electricity shut-offs are. GOV.UK's Be Ready campaign publishes a free printable template. Fill it in together, keep a paper copy with your important documents, and update it regularly.
- [Keeping household documents safe and to hand](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/important-documents-checklist/): Keep originals of passports, driving licences, birth certificates, insurance, tenancy or mortgage papers and vehicle documents together in one known place, and keep copies plus a list of NHS numbers, medication and contact numbers in a grab folder. Never write PINs or passwords on paper, back up digital copies to more than one place, and review the folder once a year.
- [Pet emergency plan UK: a checklist for dogs, cats and small pets](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/pet-emergency-plan/): A pet emergency plan means keeping your pet's microchip details up to date, packing a small kit (food, water, medicines, lead or carrier, and records in a waterproof bag), knowing where your pets would go if you had to leave home, and naming someone who can look after them if you're suddenly ill. In the UK, dogs must be microchipped by 8 weeks old, and in England cats must be microchipped by 20 weeks old.
## Wider preparedness (UK and Europe)
- [Europe's 72-hour preparedness advice, country by country](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/europe-72-hour-preparedness/): The European Commission's Preparedness Union Strategy (March 2025) commits the EU to guidelines for population self-sufficiency of at least 72 hours. National advice ranges from 3 days (Denmark, the Netherlands, Finland, France) to a week (Sweden, Norway) and 10 days (Germany). 112 is the free emergency number across the EU.
- [Worried about war? How UK households can prepare — calmly](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/prepare-for-war-uk/): Nobody can tell you whether there will be a war, and this guide doesn't try. What official UK planning does show is that serious disruption, from conflict, cyber attacks or severe weather, would most likely mean losing power, phone signal, card payments or some deliveries for a while. The government's Be Ready advice is to be able to manage for 3 days: water, food, a torch, an FM radio, cash, medicines and copies of documents, plus a plan with your neighbours.
- [Radiation emergency in the UK: what official advice says (go in, stay in, tune in)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/radiation-emergency-uk/): UK Health Security Agency advice for a radiation emergency is to go in, stay in and tune in: get inside the nearest solid building, close doors and windows, turn off fans and ventilation, and follow official updates. You may need to stay in for one to two days. Only take stable iodine tablets if you're officially told to, and don't evacuate unless advised.
## USA
- [72-hour kit checklist: what to keep at home](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/us/72-hour-kit-checklist/): A 72-hour kit is a supply of water, food and basics to look after your household for at least three days after a disaster. Ready.gov's basic kit includes one gallon of water per person per day for several days, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio, a flashlight, first aid kit, batteries, whistle, dust mask, manual can opener, maps and phone chargers. CDC sets the water minimum at 3 days and suggests 2 weeks if possible.
- [What to put in an emergency binder (household documents)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/us/emergency-binder/): An emergency binder holds copies of the documents and contacts you'd need to prove who you are, reach your insurer and bank, and apply for help after a disaster. The free official option is the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) from FEMA and Operation HOPE, available on Ready.gov. It covers four areas: household identification, financial and legal documents, medical information, and household contacts. Store paper and electronic copies safely, and don't keep password lists in it.
- [How to make a family emergency plan (with a filled-in example)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/us/family-emergency-plan/): A family emergency plan records how your household will get alerts, where you'll shelter, how you'd evacuate, and how you'll reach each other if separated. Ready.gov's free fillable Make a Family Emergency Plan form covers family contacts, school and work plans, emergency contacts, meeting places and medical information. Choose an out-of-town contact, agree meeting places near and away from home, and practice at least once a year.
- [Go bag checklist: what to pack if you have to evacuate](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/us/go-bag-checklist/): A go bag is a ready-packed bag of essentials you can carry if you're told to evacuate, including on foot or public transportation. Based on Ready.gov, pack water, snacks, a flashlight, radio, first aid kit, phone charger and backup battery, medicines, copies of important documents, cash in small bills, clothing and sturdy shoes, plus items for children and pets. Keep it where everyone knows, and keep a separate kit in the car.
- [Emergency preparedness for American households: a calm guide](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/us/): Emergency preparedness for a US household comes down to a few calm steps: know which hazards affect your area, make a family emergency plan, build a supply kit with water, food, light, a radio and medicines, and make sure you can receive official alerts. Ready.gov suggests storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days; CDC says at least three days, and two weeks if possible.
- [Hurricane preparedness: kit, zones and checklists (USA)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/us/hurricane-preparedness/): A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or more) are possible, issued 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected; a hurricane warning means they are expected, issued 36 hours ahead. Before the season, find out whether you live in an evacuation zone from your local emergency management office, build a supply kit with water, food, medication and a radio, and review your insurance, since most homeowners policies do not cover flooding. If officials order you to evacuate, leave immediately.
- [Power outage preparedness: a household kit and plan (USA)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/us/power-outage-preparedness/): Ready.gov advises keeping a flashlight for every household member, backup power for anything that needs electricity, nonperishable food and water, and battery-backup carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. During an outage, keep the refrigerator and freezer closed: food stays safe about 4 hours in the fridge, 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full one. Only run a generator outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and vents, never in a home or garage.

## Products (one-off digital downloads sold on Gumroad; every buy link returned 200 and prices were read from each listing on 28 October 2026)

Every product page shows every page as a thumbnail and offers a free 3-page sample PDF with no sign-up (for example https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/downloads/samples/pack-sample.pdf). 30-day refund on every product. Bundles: Family Starter £9.99 and Prepared, Not Panicked £9.99; a Household Binder (every printable plan) and a Complete Kit (everything, including the 200-page manual) are planned but not on sale yet.

### UK household plans
- [Household Emergency Plan Pack (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/household-emergency-plan-pack/): 26-page fillable A4 PDF with official UK numbers pre-filled, a worked example, fridge and wallet cards. £6.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/household-emergency-plan-pack
- [Power Cut & Blackout Plan (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/power-cut-blackout-plan/): 12 fillable pages: the first hour, 105 and NIE numbers, Priority Services Register record, fridge and freezer plan, power cut log for compensation claims. £4.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/power-cut-blackout-plan
- [Storm & Flood Plan (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/storm-flood-plan/): 11 fillable pages: flood risk and warning sign-up for each UK nation, what the warnings mean, a personal flood plan, damage and claims log. £4.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/storm-flood-plan
- [Grab Bag Planner (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/grab-bag-planner/): 11 fillable pages: packing lists per person (adult, child, baby, older or disabled person, pet), documents log, bag tags. £3.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/grab-bag-planner
- [72-Hour Emergency Kit Planner (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/72-hour-kit-planner/): 10 fillable pages: water and food calculator, 3-day no-cook menu, 4-week build-up plan. £3.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/72-hour-kit-planner
- [Care & Support Emergency Plan (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/care-and-support-emergency-plan/): 13 fillable pages for older people, anyone with extra needs and their carers: medicines record, powered equipment, priority registers, a plan for when the carer can't be there. £4.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/care-and-support-emergency-plan
- [Pet Emergency Plan (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/pet-emergency-plan/): 11 fillable pages for up to four pets. £2.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/pet-emergency-plan
- [Our Family Plan: kids' activity pack](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/our-family-plan-kids-pack/): 10 printable pages for ages 5 to 11, no scary content. £2.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/our-family-plan-kids
- [Life Admin File (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/life-admin-file/): 12 fillable pages: the 'if something happens to me' file — where documents, accounts, policies and bills are, who to tell, and your wishes. No passwords needed. £4.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/life-admin-file
- [Home Kit & Food Tracker](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/home-kit-and-food-tracker/): spreadsheet for Excel or Google Sheets: tracks kit, food and stored water, flags expiry dates and works out how many days of drinking water you have. £3.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/home-kit-and-food-tracker
- [Extended Disruption Plan (UK & Europe)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/extended-disruption-plan/): 15 fillable pages for disruption that lasts longer than 72 hours. £3.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/extended-disruption-plan
- [Crisis & Conflict Readiness Plan (UK & Europe)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/crisis-conflict-readiness-plan/): 13 fillable pages based on official guidance. £4.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/crisis-conflict-readiness-plan

### Other editions
- [Household Emergency Plan, US edition](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/us-household-emergency-plan/): 26 fillable US Letter pages with US numbers pre-filled. $7.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/us-household-emergency-plan
- [Household Emergency Plan, Europe edition](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/europe-household-emergency-plan/): 26 fillable A4 pages with 112 pre-filled. €7.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/europe-household-emergency-plan

### Bundles
- [Family Starter](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/): Household Emergency Plan Pack + Pet Emergency Plan + Our Family Plan kids' pack. £9.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/family-starter
- [Prepared, Not Panicked](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/): Household Emergency Plan Pack + Extended Disruption Plan + Life Admin File. £9.99. Buy: https://emporifyconnor.gumroad.com/l/prepared-not-panicked

### Free
- [Free household emergency card](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/free/): free PDF fridge card, wallet cards and contacts sheet, no sign-up.

### Not on sale yet (do not quote as available)
- Complete Household bundle, £29, including the 200-page When the Lights Go Out manual. Coming soon: https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/
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- When the Lights Go Out (UK & Europe home survival manual, 200 pages), £19. Coming soon: https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/shop/
- Modern Civilian Survival Handbook (21-page general reference PDF): listing is being updated; see https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/handbook/

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## Free tools and ways to buy
- [Make a free household emergency plan](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/make-a-plan/): answer a few questions and print a one-page plan for the fridge: who to call, where to meet, where your stopcock is and what's missing from your kit. Free, no sign-up, works offline.
- [Emergency supplies calculator](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/emergency-supplies-calculator/): how much drinking water to keep for your household for 3 or 7 days, using GOV.UK Be Ready's 3 litres per person per day, plus a kit list. Free, no sign-up.
- [Household readiness check](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/readiness-quiz/): 10 quick questions based on GOV.UK Be Ready, a score out of 10 and a free next step for each gap. Answers stay on your device.
- [Build your Be Ready kit](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/be-ready-kit/): every item on the GOV.UK Be Ready emergency kit checklist with what to look for, as a tick list saved on your device.
- [Free Power Cut Card](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/free/#power-card): a one-page fridge card (A4 and A5): who to call, what to switch off, and Food Standards Agency fridge and freezer times.
- [Gift a plan to Mum and Dad](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/gift/): send a household emergency plan by email with a personal message, using Gumroad's gift option.

## More guides
- [After a house fire: a calm checklist for the first 48 hours](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/after-a-house-fire-uk/): After a house fire, don't go back in until the fire and rescue service says it's safe. Ask the incident commander for your incident number and which utilities were shut off. Call your insurer or landlord as soon as you can; the British Red Cross says insured homeowners can usually get a hotel or similar through their insurer, while renters should contact their landlord and then the council. On GOV.UK, being homeless after a fire can count as priority need for council help in England. Photograph the damage, keep receipts, don't reconnect gas or electricity until a qualified person has checked it, and throw away food or medicine affected by heat, smoke or water.
- [Broadband and phone outages: what to do, and how to prepare](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/broadband-phone-outage/): If your broadband or landline stops, Ofcom suggests restarting your router and devices, checking your provider's status page or app, and reporting the fault, because your provider is responsible for fixing it. If your landline fails, GOV.UK Be Ready says try your mobile, or Wi-Fi Calling if only the mobile network is down. For 999 or 112, try both a mobile and a landline. Keep a battery or wind-up radio, a little cash and a paper list of numbers at home.
- [Check your flood risk, and the other risks where you live](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/check-flood-risk/): In England, use GOV.UK's Check your long term flood risk service to see the risk from rivers, the sea, surface water, reservoirs and groundwater for any address. In Scotland use SEPA's flood maps, in Wales the Natural Resources Wales flood risk map, and in Northern Ireland the nidirect flooding advice. You can also sign up for free flood warnings.
- [Clearing snow and ice: your path, the pavement, and a snow day at home](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/clearing-snow-and-ice-uk/): GOV.UK says you can clear snow and ice from pavements yourself, and that it's unlikely you'll be sued or held responsible if someone is injured on a path you've cleared carefully. Clear early while the snow is fresh and loose, use salt if possible, use ash or sand if you don't have enough salt, and don't use water because it can refreeze as black ice. Don't take salt from council grit bins. The Met Office says ordinary table or dishwasher salt works, about a tablespoon for each square metre.
- [Emergency food stockpile list: a calm UK list for 3 days, then 2 weeks](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-food-list-uk/): The government's Be Ready advice is to keep non-perishable food for 3 days: food with a long shelf life that needs no fridge or cooking, such as tinned meat, fish or vegetables, dried fruit and nuts. Buy food your household usually eats, add an item or two on normal shopping trips, and check dates every six months.
- [An emergency plan for flats: what's different, and what to ask](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-plan-for-flats-uk/): Planning for an emergency in a flat starts with knowing your building's fire strategy. London Fire Brigade says your building's plan may be to stay put or to leave, and that your landlord, housing provider or managing agent needs to tell you the fire safety arrangements, including the evacuation plan. In England, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 require the responsible person in buildings with two or more homes and common parts to give residents fire safety instructions, including when they move in and at least once a year. Never use the lift in a fire. Keep a compact kit, store bottled water (Be Ready suggests 3 litres per person per day for drinking, for 3 days) and swap contact details with neighbours.
- [Emergency planning with a baby or toddler (UK)](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-plan-with-a-baby-uk/): GOV.UK's Be Ready checklist says to keep baby formula, nappies and wipes in your 3-day kit, and that ready-to-feed formula is best because you may not be able to boil water to make up powdered formula safely. In a power cut, the NHS and The Lullaby Trust advise keeping a baby's room at 16 to 20°C where possible, adding a layer rather than a hat or duvet, and never using a hot water bottle or electric blanket with a baby. Call 999 in an emergency and NHS 111 for urgent advice.
- [Cumbria emergency planning: who to contact and how to get ready](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-planning-cumbria/): In Cumbria, emergency planning is led by the Cumbria Resilience Forum (the county's Local Resilience Forum), which runs the Cumbria Prepared website with Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. Its Community Risk Register rates river flooding, pandemic, new infectious diseases and failure of the national electricity system as very high risks. Sign up for free Environment Agency flood warnings online or on Floodline (0345 988 1188), call 105 for a power cut (Electricity North West), and check United Utilities for water supply problems.
- [Greater Manchester emergency planning: who to contact and how to get ready](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-planning-greater-manchester/): Greater Manchester's emergency planning is coordinated by the Greater Manchester Resilience Forum, chaired by Greater Manchester Police, with support from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. It plans for severe weather, flooding, power cuts, cyber attacks, major fires, pandemics and other infectious diseases, and terrorism, and says an updated Community Risk Register will be published in autumn 2026. Sign up for free Environment Agency flood warnings online or on Floodline (0345 988 1188), call 105 for a power cut (Electricity North West), and contact United Utilities about water.
- [Kent emergency planning: who to contact and how to get ready](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-planning-kent/): Kent and Medway are covered by the Kent and Medway Resilience Forum, which runs the Kent Prepared website. Its 2026 Community Risk Register rates failure of the national electricity system, failure of gas supply, low temperatures and snow, coastal and tidal flooding, pandemic, and disruption to roads and ports as very high risks. Sign up for free Environment Agency flood warnings online or on Floodline (0345 988 1188), call 105 for a power cut (UK Power Networks), and check which of five water companies supplies your home.
- [North Yorkshire emergency planning: who to contact and how to get ready](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-planning-north-yorkshire/): York and North Yorkshire are covered by the North Yorkshire Local Resilience Forum, whose 2025 Community Risk Register focuses on severe weather, health, utilities disruption and cyber attack. Its Get ready page has a household emergency plan leaflet and community plan templates. Sign up for free Environment Agency flood warnings online or on Floodline (0345 988 1188), call 105 for a power cut (Northern Powergrid), and check Yorkshire Water for water problems and priority services.
- [Somerset emergency planning: who to contact and how to get ready](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-planning-somerset/): Somerset is covered by the Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum, whose 2026 Community Risk Register lists flooding, extreme weather, animal disease, infectious diseases, transport incidents, industrial site accidents, utility disruption and malicious attacks as the main local risks. Somerset Council points residents to Somerset Prepared for leaflets and templates. Sign up for free Environment Agency flood warnings online or on Floodline (0345 988 1188), call 105 for a power cut (National Grid Electricity Distribution), and contact Wessex Water or Bristol Water, depending on who supplies your home.
- [Run out of your medicine? How to get an emergency supply](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/emergency-prescription-uk/): In England, NHS 111 online lets you request a limited emergency supply of a medicine you've completely run out of, if it's one you're prescribed regularly on repeat. You pay your usual prescription fee, or nothing if you don't usually pay. It doesn't cover antibiotics for a new or recent problem, or controlled drugs that need ID to collect. If you also have symptoms, call 111 instead. GOV.UK Be Ready advises requesting repeat prescriptions up to 5 working days before you need them and keeping a written list of your medicines and doses.
- [Flood alerts and flood warnings: what each level means and what to do](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/flood-warnings-explained/): In England, the Environment Agency uses three levels. A flood alert means flooding is possible and is usually issued 2 to 12 hours ahead. A flood warning means flooding is expected, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours ahead. A severe flood warning means there could be a risk to life. Floodline is 0345 988 1188, open 24 hours.
- [Heatwave at home: keeping your home and people cool and safe](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/heatwave-at-home-uk/): In a UK heatwave, keep curtains and blinds closed on sunny windows in the day and open windows when it is cooler outside, use electric fans only below 35°C, and move to the coolest room to sleep. In England, UKHSA heat-health alerts run from 1 June to 30 September. Store medicines as the packet says, check on anyone at higher risk, and call 999 if you think someone has heatstroke, or NHS 111 for urgent advice.
- [Home fire escape plan: how to make one your whole household knows](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/home-fire-escape-plan/): GOV.UK Be Ready advises fitting smoke alarms on every floor, testing them at least monthly, and planning and practising an escape route so everyone knows what to do. Fire and rescue services suggest using your normal way out, with a second route in case it's blocked, keeping exits clear, keeping keys where everyone can find them and agreeing a meeting place outside. If you can't get out, get everyone into one room with a window, close the door, put bedding along the bottom of the door, call 999, then open the window and shout 'HELP FIRE'. Get out, stay out, call 999.
- [Home first aid kit and medicine cabinet: a UK checklist](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/home-first-aid-kit-uk/): GOV.UK Be Ready's emergency kit list includes first aid items such as waterproof plasters, bandages, a thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape and tweezers. NHS England's self-care advice adds a medicine cabinet with pain relief, oral rehydration salts, anti-diarrhoea tablets, antihistamines and indigestion remedies, and says high street pharmacies can give expert advice. Store medicines in a cool, dry place out of the sight and reach of children, and check expiry dates every six months, as Be Ready suggests for your emergency kit.
- [Hosepipe bans: what they mean, and how to check if one applies to you](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/hosepipe-ban/): A hosepipe ban, also called a Temporary Use Ban, is a rule a water company can bring in to save water in dry weather. GOV.UK Be Ready says that while one applies you can't use a hosepipe connected to the mains for things like watering the garden, filling a paddling pool or washing your car. Water companies decide on bans, so check your own company's website and local news. Keep drinking enough water and keep washing your hands, even during a ban.
- [How much cash should I keep at home?](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/how-much-cash-to-keep-at-home-uk/): The government's Be Ready advice is to keep some cash at home, a mix of coins and notes, plus cards, in case card payments or cash machines stop working. It does not set an amount: the right amount depends on your household's essential needs for a few days. Keep it somewhere safe and private.
- [The 'if something happens to me' file: what to include](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/if-something-happens-to-me-file/): An 'if something happens to me' file is a written record of where your important documents, accounts, policies and bills are, who should be told, and what you'd want. It isn't a will. GOV.UK explains that a will must be formally witnessed and signed to be legally valid, and that a lasting power of attorney (England and Wales) lets you appoint people you trust to make decisions for you; it costs £92 to register unless you qualify for a reduction or exemption. GOV.UK's Tell Us Once service reports a death to most government organisations in one go, but banks, insurers, utilities and landlords must be contacted separately, which is exactly what a good file lists.
- [Keeping warm without heating: what works, what's safe, and where to get help](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/keeping-warm-without-heating/): If the heating is off, broken or too costly to run, UKHSA advises wearing several thin layers, which may keep you warmer than one thick layer, reducing draughts, keeping bedroom windows closed at night and not sitting still for more than an hour or so. Heat the room you use most if you can: UKHSA and the NHS suggest at least 18°C. Never use a hob or oven to heat your home (Met Office), and never bring camping stoves, barbecues or generators indoors. If money is the problem, Ofgem says to contact your energy supplier and ask about payment plans and hardship funds.
- [No water supply: what to do, and what you're entitled to](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/no-water-supply/): If your water stops, GOV.UK Be Ready says check your water company's website for updates and alternative supply points, and save bottled or stored water for drinking, handwashing and food. If you're on the company's Priority Services Register, it should arrange alternative supplies. Rainwater can be used to flush the toilet but not to drink. Under the Guaranteed Standards Scheme announced on GOV.UK in July 2025, if supply isn't restored on time, households get £50 plus £50 for each further 12 hours, paid automatically.
- [Power cut in Bournemouth: who to call and where to check](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/bournemouth/): Power cuts in Bournemouth are handled by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), the local electricity network operator, not your energy supplier. Report a power cut free on 105, day or night, and check SSEN's live power cut map for updates. Most payments for long power cuts are automatic.
- [Power cut in Cardiff: who to call and where to check](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/cardiff/): Power cuts in Cardiff are handled by National Grid Electricity Distribution, the local electricity network operator, not your energy supplier. Report a power cut free on 105, day or night, and check National Grid's live power cut map for updates. Most payments for long power cuts are automatic.
- [Power cut in Cheltenham: who to call and where to check](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/cheltenham/): Power cuts in Cheltenham are handled by National Grid Electricity Distribution, the local electricity network operator, not your energy supplier. Report a power cut free on 105, day or night, and check National Grid's live power cut map for updates. Most payments for long power cuts are automatic.
- [Power cut in Edinburgh: who to call and where to check](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/edinburgh/): Power cuts in Edinburgh are handled by SP Energy Networks, the local electricity network operator, not your energy supplier. Report a power cut free on 105, day or night, and check SP Energy Networks' live power cut map for updates. Most payments for long power cuts are automatic.
- [Power cut in Glasgow: who to call and where to check](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/glasgow/): Power cuts in Glasgow are handled by SP Energy Networks, the local electricity network operator, not your energy supplier. Report a power cut free on 105, day or night, and check SP Energy Networks' live power cut map for updates. Most payments for long power cuts are automatic.
- [Power cut kit: what to keep in one box, and how long power cuts last](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/power-cut-kit/): GOV.UK's Be Ready campaign says most power cuts are short and local, while wider outages are less common but can last several days. In Great Britain, Ofgem expects network operators to restore power within 12 hours outside severe weather, 24 hours in storm category 1 and 48 hours in storm category 2. NIE Networks says it fixes nine out of ten power cuts in Northern Ireland within three hours. A power cut kit is one box with a torch and spare batteries, a battery or wind-up FM radio, a charged power bank, warm layers, cash and a paper card with 105 (or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland), kept next to 3 days of water and no-cook food.
- [Power cut in Scotland: who to call and where to check](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/power-cuts/scotland/): Scotland has two electricity network operators. The north of Scotland is covered by SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks); central and southern Scotland by SP Energy Networks. Wherever you are, call 105 free, day or night, to report a power cut and you'll be put through to the right one.
- [Prepper kits in the UK: how to judge a ready-made emergency kit](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/prepper-kit-uk/): A ready-made prepper or emergency kit can save time, but no kit on sale is the official standard. GOV.UK's Be Ready checklist asks households to be ready for 3 days, with bottled water (3 litres per person per day for drinking), non-perishable food, a torch and spare batteries, an FM radio, a charged power bank, cash, copies of documents, a first aid kit and essential medication. Before buying, check what you already own, then judge any kit on water, dates, batteries, first aid contents and what it leaves out, such as your own medicines and documents.
- [Smell gas? What to do, step by step](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/smell-gas-what-to-do/): If you smell gas in Great Britain, the National Gas Emergency Service advises: don't smoke or light matches, don't turn electrical switches on or off, open doors and windows, turn off the meter at the control handle (unless the meter is in the cellar), and call 0800 111 999. The line is free and open 24 hours. In Northern Ireland, the gas emergency number is 0800 002 001. If anyone is hurt or there's a fire, call 999.
- [Will there be blackouts this winter? What the 2026/27 outlook says](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/uk-blackouts-this-winter/): The National Energy System Operator (NESO) published its Winter Outlook 2026/27 on 23 October 2026. It forecasts a 5.9 GW surplus, a 9.5% buffer above peak winter demand, and says Great Britain's electricity supply is expected to remain secure. Electricity Margin Notices, if issued, are a routine signal and don't mean supplies are at risk. Local power cuts from things like storm damage can still happen, so keep a torch, save 105 and know your load block letter.
- [What to do after a flood: a calm, step-by-step guide](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/what-to-do-after-a-flood/): GOV.UK says to check with the emergency services that it's safe to return home, and not to turn on your water, gas or electricity until your utility company or a qualified engineer has checked them. Photograph the damage and the flood water line before cleaning, contact your insurer to start a claim, and ask which items you can throw away. Don't eat food that has touched flood water. Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves to clean up, wash your hands after each session, and never run petrol or diesel generators indoors (UKHSA). If you rent, your landlord must handle flood repairs.
- [Winter power cut checklist for UK homes](https://civiliansurvivalhandbook.com/articles/winter-power-cut-checklist/): In a winter power cut, report it on 105, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland. Use torches, not candles. Wear warm clothing and use blankets and sleeping bags. Keep fridge and freezer doors shut. Check on neighbours who may need help, and if you need extra support, join the Priority Services Register.