Emergency kit with radio
A properly assembled emergency kit can prove valuable during crisis. Discover what truly belongs in yours, including modern two-way communication via MeshCore.
Why an emergency kit is essential
When the National Grid fails, when flooding isolates communities, when storms bring infrastructure down, you may depend entirely on your own preparations. Emergency services become overwhelmed. Shops close. Mains water pressure drops. Those first crucial days require self-sufficiency.
Government guidance and the British Red Cross both recommend maintaining an emergency kit with supplies for at least 72 hours. This represents the period when official assistance may be unavailable or limited.
But what precisely should your kit contain? And why is communication often the overlooked essential that proves most valuable? This guide helps you assemble comprehensive emergency preparations.
When do you need an emergency kit?
Emergency kits serve more than extreme disasters. These realistic British scenarios demonstrate their value:
⚡ Extended power outage
Cyber attack, infrastructure failure, or severe weather takes down the National Grid. No heating, no lighting, no communication. Potentially lasting days rather than hours.
🌊 Flooding
Environment Agency warnings escalate. Evacuation required with limited preparation time. Your emergency kit must be portable and complete.
🌪️ Severe storm damage
Infrastructure destroyed, roads blocked, emergency services stretched thin. You may be isolated at home for extended periods.
☢️ Industrial incident
Chemical leak, explosion, or industrial accident requires sheltering in place with doors and windows sealed. No popping out to the shops.
🔥 Large-scale fire
Warehouse fire, wildfire, or building fire creates evacuation zones. Toxic smoke makes remaining impossible. Return prohibited for extended periods.
🦠 Pandemic or lockdown
Extended home isolation with limited supply access. Recent experience demonstrated this is not theoretical.
Government advice: 72-hour emergency kit
Cabinet Office and British Red Cross guidance recommends maintaining supplies for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency. This is the period when professional assistance may be unavailable.
Basic emergency kit checklist
A complete emergency kit covers multiple categories. Here are the essentials:
💧 Water & food
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✓
Drinking water: 2 litres per person per day (6 litres for 72 hours)
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Tinned food, dried goods, energy bars, nuts (no refrigeration needed)
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✓
Tin opener, utensils, plates, cups
🔦 Light & power
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Torch with spare batteries (or wind-up torch)
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Candles and waterproof matches
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Power bank for phone (charged)
🩹 First aid & medication
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Basic first aid kit (bandages, plasters, scissors, tweezers)
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Prescription medications (minimum one week supply)
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Paracetamol, ibuprofen, antiseptic
📄 Documents & cash
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Copies of identification, insurance, property documents
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List of important phone numbers (written)
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Cash (ATMs fail during power outages)
Communication in your emergency kit: the forgotten essential
Many overlook the most critical component: communication. During crisis, you need to reach family, request help, and receive information. Here are your options:
1. FM/AM radio (traditional)
A battery-powered or wind-up radio receives BBC broadcasts and official emergency information.
Advantages:
- ✓ Inexpensive (£15-40)
- ✓ Simple to use
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Receive only, cannot transmit
- ✗ No interactive communication
2. Walkie talkie / CB radio
Two-way communication within limited range (typically under 5km). Useful for coordinating with nearby family or neighbours.
Advantages:
- ✓ Two-way communication
- ✓ Direct voice contact
Disadvantages:
- ✗ Limited range
- ✗ No privacy (anyone can listen)
3. MeshCore emergency radio (modern)
MeshCore combines the best attributes: extended range via mesh networking, encrypted messaging, and complete independence from infrastructure.
Advantages:
- ✓ Works without internet or mains power
- ✓ Extended range via mesh repeaters
- ✓ Encrypted private messages
- ✓ No subscription fees
Disadvantages:
- Requires network of users (growing across the UK)
Why MeshCore is essential in your emergency kit
Contact with family
Knowing your loved ones are safe, where they are, what they need. Priceless during genuine crisis.
Extended battery life
LoRa devices run for days or weeks on small batteries. Far outlasting smartphone battery life.
No subscriptions
One-time purchase from £50. No network operator, no monthly fees, no contract.
Growing network
The UK mesh network expands continuously. More participants mean stronger, more extensive coverage.
Daily utility
Use at festivals, camping, hiking, sailing. Your emergency kit equipment serves regular purposes too.
Privacy protection
End-to-end encrypted private messages cannot be read by anyone else, even when routing through intermediate repeaters.
Your complete emergency kit with communication
A comprehensive emergency kit combines all essential categories:
1. Water & food for 72 hours
6 litres of water per person, food requiring no refrigeration or cooking.
2. Light, warmth and power
Torches, candles, warm blanket, power bank. Consider heating if extended power outage likely.
3. First aid and medication
Basic first aid supplies plus prescription medications for at least one week.
4. Documents and cash
Copies of important documents, contact information written down, cash money.
5. Emergency communication
FM/AM radio for official broadcasts plus MeshCore device for two-way communication with your personal network. View devices.
Maintaining your emergency kit
An emergency kit requires periodic attention to remain reliable:
Check expiry dates on food and medication every six months
Test torch, radio, and MeshCore device annually
Replace batteries approaching discharge
Update document copies when circumstances change
Practice with your household: where is the kit, how does everything work?
Frequently asked questions about emergency kit assembly
How much does a complete emergency kit cost?
Basic supplies cost approximately £75-125 per person. Adding a MeshCore device (from £50) brings the total to £125-175 for comprehensive preparation including modern communication.
Where should I Store my emergency kit?
Accessible location known to all household members. Preferably in waterproof bag or case. Not in attic or basement where access may be difficult during evacuation.
Should each family member have their own kit?
One household kit plus individual "grab bags" works well. Each person has absolute essentials (water, snacks, medication, ID). The main kit contains shared supplies.
What is the difference between emergency kit and bug-out bag?
Emergency kit supports sheltering at home for 72 hours. Bug-out bag is portable for evacuation scenarios. Ideally prepare both.
Does MeshCore really work without internet during crisis?
Completely. MeshCore uses LoRa radio Signals travelling directly between devices. No internet, WiFi, or mobile network involvement. Purpose-built for infrastructure failures.
How often should I check my emergency kit?
Every six months minimum. Check expiry dates, test equipment, verify batteries. Many people schedule checks for clock change dates in March and October.
Start your emergency kit today
Preparing an emergency kit is not paranoia but pragmatism. The probability of needing it may be low, but when you need it, you will be glad you prepared. Communication capability is often overlooked yet can prove valuable during genuine crisis. LocalMesh is a community project. Coverage depends on volunteer participation and varies by location. Not a replacement for emergency services – always dial 999 in emergencies.