Reference

Stores, tools, recovery & sources

Food rotation, documents, tools, car kit, inventory blanks, after-event notes, and source URLs.

Source guide updated 5 Oct 2026 (Europe/London)

14. Food & water rotation calendar

Useful. Write dates on containers with a marker.

Item Check / rotate Notes
Stored drinking water Every 6–12 months Replace; clean containers
Tinned food Use-by / best-before; oldest first Bulging/rusted → discard
Dry goods 12 months visual Airtight; pest control
Dog food Per bag date Don’t overstock wet past comfort
Meds / first aid Every 6 months Replace expired
Batteries / power banks Quarterly charge Store cool
Grab bags Every 6 months + season change Refresh water/snacks/clothes
This guide + contacts Annually (e.g. each September) Update numbers & kit

Fill in: Last full rotation _____ · Next annual review _____

15. Documents & cash

Essential.

  • ☐ Photo ID copies
  • ☐ Home insurance summary + insurer phone
  • ☐ Vehicle insurance / V5C copy if relevant
  • ☐ Prescription list; NHS numbers
  • ☐ Bank / card customer service numbers
  • ☐ Property deeds location / solicitor
  • ☐ Pet microchip + vaccination record
  • ☐ USB encrypted backup of key PDFs (optional)
  • ☐ Small cash in mixed notes/coins

Store pouch waterproof; grab-bag copy separate from originals.

17. Tools & shut-offs

Essential. Every adult should know shut-off locations (§3).

  • ☐ Torch + spare batteries at known locations
  • ☐ Basic tool kit: screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable spanner, duct tape, cable ties
  • ☐ Utility knife / scissors
  • ☐ Fire extinguisher + fire blanket in kitchen — know PASS
  • ☐ Smoke + CO alarm test locations
  • ☐ Ladder only if trained/safe — roof work is for professionals in storms
  • ☐ Gloves, eye protection for debris

Fill in: Extinguisher location / last service _____ · Stopcock photo taken? _____

18. Car winter kit

Useful.

  • ☐ Ice scraper + de-icer; blanket; warm layer
  • ☐ Torch; 12V phone charger; power bank
  • ☐ Water + snacks; critical meds
  • ☐ Hi-vis; warning triangle if required
  • ☐ Compact shovel; traction aids
  • ☐ Jump leads or jump pack
  • ☐ First aid; gloves
  • ☐ Winter screenwash; fuel not run to empty

If stuck: stay with the vehicle unless safety demands otherwise; clear snow from exhaust before running engine for heat; crack ventilation to reduce CO risk; call for help.

19. Household inventory (blank — fill what you own)

Do not invent gear. Tick and annotate only what is actually on site. Starlink/Anker details are in §13 — still confirm Anker units on-site.

Water & cooking

  • Water containers (size × count) / location: _______________
  • Water filter / tablets: _______________
  • Outdoor stove / fuel / location: _______________
  • Manual tin opener / outdoor pans: _______________

Power & light

  • Torches / lanterns / headtorches: _______________
  • Radio: _______________
  • Power banks: _______________
  • Generator (if any — outdoor only): _______________
  • Starlink Mini + Anker C1000/C300/solar (§13): Confirm locations / Wh label _______________

Safety

  • Smoke alarms: _______________
  • CO alarms: _______________
  • Extinguisher / blanket: _______________
  • Flood products: _______________

Bags & stores

  • Grab bags: _______________
  • Document pouch: _______________
  • Food store / approx days: _______________
  • Dog kit: _______________
  • Faraday bag + spare phone / USB: _______________

Other owned gear

  • _______________
  • _______________
  • _______________

20. After-event recovery notes

Flood clean-up extras (info-bank Ch.16): Pump only when the outside water level is lower than inside. Do not high-pressure wash contaminated mud (aerosolises sewage). Wash salvageable textiles separately at 60°C where fabric allows. Ask Cumberland about contaminated sandbag / skip disposal. Private well/spring/septic: stop use until assessed.

Useful.

  1. Account for all people and dog first.
  2. Do not re-enter if structural damage, gas smell, or flood contamination until cleared.
  3. Photograph damage before clearing (insurance).
  4. Contact insurer early; keep receipts.
  5. Food safety: discard per FSA rules if temperatures rose.
  6. Electrics/gas: qualified trades after flood or surge damage.
  7. Rest, simple meals, ask neighbours/council for support routes.
  8. Debrief within a week; update this guide and inventory.
  9. Replace used kit; recharge; rotate water.

Fill in: Post-event notes _____ · Actions / purchases _____

22. Sources appendix (full URLs)

Offline depth: info-bank/INDEX.md · digest info-bank/16-perplexity-deep-research-digest.md · merge log info-bank/MERGE-NOTES.md.

Links may be dead offline — URLs are printed so you can verify later. Guidance summarised for household use; always follow emergency services on the day.

  • UK preparedness campaign: https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/
  • British Red Cross — get prepared: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies
  • GOV.UK Emergency Alerts: https://www.gov.uk/alerts
  • Sign up for flood warnings: https://www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings
  • Check flood risk: https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk
  • Floodline information: https://www.gov.uk/call-floodline
  • Power cuts — 105: https://www.powercut105.com/
  • SP Electricity North West (network for CA6): https://www.enwl.co.uk/ · Extra Care / 105 or 0800 195 4141
  • United Utilities: https://www.unitedutilities.com/
  • Cumbria Prepared: https://www.cumbriaprepared.org.uk/
  • Cumberland Council: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/
  • Met Office warnings: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
  • Food Standards Agency — power cuts / food: https://www.food.gov.uk/
  • Gas emergency info: https://www.nationalgas.com/safety-and-emergencies/how-report-gas-emergency (number 0800 111 999)
  • NHS 111: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/
  • BBC Radio Cumbria: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_cumbria
  • Priority Services Register (overview): https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/information-consumers/energy-advice-households/getting-extra-help-priority-services-register

Matthews Household Emergency Guide — Rowan House, Irthington, CA6. Offline copy. Not a substitute for official emergency instructions. Medical section is stock planning only — not medical advice. CO safety is non-negotiable. Review annually.

Last updated: 5 Oct 2026 (Europe/London) · Weekly refresh (extra contacts: Floodline textphone, Cumberland Highways and Safeguarding; autumn clocks-change check; print-friendly blanks)

Files: Matthews-Household-Emergency-Guide.html · Matthews-Household-Emergency-Guide.md · crisis-qa.md · optional PDF