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Building a flood grab bag: a practical packing list

What goes in the bag by the door if you have twenty minutes to leave — a packing list you can tick off.

4 min read · UK guidance · Last reviewed September 2026

Part of our Emergency Kit UK guideSee the complete 72-hour checklist and gear picks in one place →Best emergency water storage and filter bottles →The containers and filters we'd use to hold 72 hours of drinking water at home.

Documents and money

Passports, insurance policies, mortgage or tenancy paperwork and a small amount of cash, all inside a waterproof wallet.

Health and comfort

Prescription medication, a first aid kit, a change of clothes each, and something familiar for young children.

Power and information

Power bank, charging cables, a torch and a printed contact list. Sign up for Environment Agency flood warnings so you get the maximum notice — Floodline is 0345 988 1188.

Water and food

A bottle of water each and a few snacks that don't need cooking, so you aren't relying on finding shops open.

Pets

Food, any medication, a lead or carrier, and a copy of vaccination records.

Before you leave

Turn off gas, electricity and water if it is safe. Move valuables upstairs and photograph rooms for your insurer.

Keep it ready

Store the bag somewhere you can reach quickly, tell everyone where it is, and check it every six months — replace medication and water, and recharge the power bank.

Recommended gear for this guide

Grab-bag gear worth buying before you need it:

Original illustration of a Sawyer Mini Water Filtration SystemIllustrationNewPlus

Sawyer · Water

Mini Water Filtration System

A lightweight squeeze-filter option for a grab bag or outdoor water back-up. It is reusable with the right cleaning and storage, but needs a suitable freshwater source and does not replace a stored supply of safe drinking water.

See today's price on AmazonWhy we recommend it

Live price and stock on Amazon · We may earn a commission

See the full Flood Response Pack

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