When disruption lasts
Long haul
Most disruption in the UK is over within hours. These guides are for the rarer times it is not: a power cut lasting a week, empty shelves, or water off for longer than a few days. They are first drafts, sourced from official advice, and we are still reviewing them.
Start with the basics
The long-haul guides build on the 3-day kit and your household plan. If you have not done those yet, start there. In an emergency, go to the crisis page.
- 01When society is under strain: a household guide to prolonged disruptionA calm starting point for disruption that lasts days or weeks, and how the other long-haul guides fit together.
- 02Grid down: a power cut lasting a week or moreWhat changes when the power stays off for days, and how to keep warmth, water, food, light and contact going.
- 03Supply-chain shortages: food, medicine and fuelHow to build a steady cupboard store over time, avoid panic buying and plan for medicines.
- 04Water when the mains fail for weeksWhat your water company must provide, how much to store, and how to make water last.
- 05Staying warm without mains powerKeeping one room warm, dressing for the cold, and the carbon monoxide and fire rules for any heater.
- 06Home security and keeping a low profile during disorderLawful, defensive steps: secure doors and windows, check callers, stay indoors and away from trouble, and call the police.
- 07Comms when phones are down: radio, walkie-talkies and check-insStaying informed by radio, keeping a household in touch with licence-free radios, and agreeing check-ins in advance.
- 08Cash and documentsWhy to keep some cash, and which documents and numbers to keep on paper.
- 09Caring for children, older relatives and people who need extra helpPlanning for medicines, equipment, babies, pets and anyone who relies on you, during a long disruption.
- 10If the UK is affected by war or a national emergencyHow you would be told, why following official instructions matters, staying put or leaving, and the Civil Contingencies Act in plain words.
- 11Cyber attacks: what to do if banks, phones or the internet go downCash, offline copies and a plan for when cards, phones or the internet stop working, and how to spot the scams that follow.
How these guides are written
- Every factual claim links to an official or primary source at the bottom of the page.
- No weapons, no illegal advice, no conspiracy theories and no politics.
- We never tell you a place is “safe”. Follow the emergency services and your council on where to go.
- Carbon monoxide and fire warnings appear wherever stoves, heaters or generators are mentioned.