Kit builder · Snow and ice
Build your snowed-in kit
For snow or ice that could keep you at home for a few days: the British Red Cross, GOV.UK Prepare, UKHSA and the NHS, sized to who lives with you.
The British Red Cross puts it simply: snow and ice can make travelling dangerous or stop you leaving the house, so be prepared to stay put for a few days. GOV.UK Prepare and UKHSA say the same in different words: check you have enough food and medication in case it is harder than usual to leave the house, and think about who could pick things up for you. This builder turns that into a list.
Staying in only works if the house stays warm and safe. UKHSA and the NHS say heat the rooms you use most to at least 18°C, wear several thin layers rather than one thick one, and keep bedroom windows closed at night. The same guidance asks for a carbon monoxide alarm and for heating appliances to be checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer, because the risk from faulty appliances goes up in winter.
Tell us who lives with you and for how many days, and the food and water size themselves. Days default to three, the ‘few days’ the Red Cross and GOV.UK Prepare talk about. If you might have to drive, the winter car kit covers the car.
Who is this for?
Your list: 17 items, 13 essential
You probably own some of this already: only buy the gaps. Each price shows when it was checked.
- Food for a few days18 mealsEssential
The British Red Cross says do your shopping early and stock up before snow, and GOV.UK Prepare says check you have enough food in case it is harder than usual to leave the house. GOV.UK Prepare’s emergency kit suggests food that needs no cooking, with a tin opener, which also covers a power cut.
No official figure, so we size at three meals a day for each person for the days you choose; that number is our planning figure. Build it from tins and packets you already eat, and use them up through the winter.
Ambrosia Deluxe RiceAlso good: John West Sardines — £23as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£26.16Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Drinking water18 litresEssential
The British Red Cross says frozen pipes can leave your home without water. GOV.UK Prepare quotes the World Health Organisation’s minimum of 2.5 to 3 litres of drinking water per person per day, and says 10 litres is more comfortable.
We size at 3 litres per person per day. Bottled water, or clean food-grade containers filled from the tap before a freeze.
25L Hard Water Jerry Can (food grade)£13.25Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Enough of your medicinesEssential
UKHSA and GOV.UK Prepare say that if bad weather is forecast, plan ahead and check you have enough medication in case it is harder to leave the house. The NHS says to get any prescription medicines before bad weather is forecast.
A few days in hand, taken as prescribed. If you can’t get out, UKHSA says find someone who can collect medicines and food for you, and let them know you might need them.
Getting repeat prescriptions in time → - Thin warm layers2 setsEssential
UKHSA and GOV.UK Prepare say wear several layers of thinner clothing rather than one thick layer. UKHSA also suggests not sitting still for more than an hour or so, and stretching your arms and legs if moving about is hard.
A thermal base layer set each is the cheapest warmth there is; that part is our suggestion. Add a hat and thick socks for evenings if the heating goes off.
Odlo Active Warm Base Layer SetAlso good: Mountain Warehouse Merino Men's Long-Sleeved Round Neck Base Layer Top — £34.99as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£68.14Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Blankets and hot water bottles2 Optional
The British Red Cross lists blankets among the optional extras for a home emergency kit. If the heating fails or the power goes, they keep people warm without fuel or electricity. Hot water bottles are our addition: follow the maker’s instructions, use a cover, and replace one that is cracked, sticky or perished.
A blanket each, and a hot water bottle each for anyone who feels the cold. Our advice: not for a baby, or for anyone who couldn’t feel it getting too hot or move away from it.
Hugo Frosch Classic PlantAlso good: YUYU Long Waffle — £39.57as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£22.99Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Torch, lantern and spare batteries2 torchesEssential
The British Red Cross says make sure you have batteries and a torch before snow arrives. GOV.UK Prepare says a battery or wind-up torch, because torches are safer than candles. A lantern that lights a whole room is worth having for long winter evenings; that part is our suggestion.
A torch each for getting about, and one lantern for the room you sit in. Spare batteries for both, or rechargeable ones kept charged.
Ledlenser ML6 Warm LightAlso good: BioLite AlpenGlow 250 — £59.95as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£56.57Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Battery or wind-up radio1 Essential
GOV.UK Prepare lists a battery or wind-up radio for updates during a power cut, and says to write down the frequencies of the local and national stations you use. Local radio carries road, school and power news.
One for the household, with spare batteries if it takes them.
Philips TAR3500Also good: Philips TAR1609 — £37.89as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£49.99Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Charged power bankEssential
GOV.UK Prepare lists a portable power bank for charging your phone, and the British Red Cross says charge all your devices before bad weather. Your phone is how you call for help, report a power cut and check on people.
One per household at least, charged when snow is forecast, and a cable for each phone.
INIU B5 20000mAh Power BankAlso good: Anker 25,000mAh 165W — £69.98as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£22.40Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Carbon monoxide alarmEssential
GOV.UK Prepare’s cold weather page says fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets British or European standards (BS Kitemark or EN 50291), because the risk of carbon monoxide from malfunctioning appliances increases in winter. UKHSA says the same, and to have heating and cooking appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer and flues and chimneys checked for blockages.
The NHS says one for each room with an appliance that burns gas, oil, coal or wood. Test it as the maker says, and keep snow clear of the boiler flue outside.
FireAngel FA3322 10-Year Digital Carbon Monoxide AlarmAlso good: Aico Ei208 Carbon Monoxide Alarm — £22.49as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£37.99Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Snow shovel1 Essential
The British Red Cross says invest in a snow shovel or a supply of gritting salt, so you can make paths and driveways safe. The Department for Transport’s snow code, published by the Met Office, says clear early in the day while the snow is fresh and loose, clear a path down the middle first, and don’t block other people’s paths or drains with what you move.
One per household. Offer to clear an older or disabled neighbour’s path too, as the snow code suggests. Our guide covers whether you can be sued for clearing snow.
Snow shovels and salt we’ve checked → - Salt or sand for pathsOptional
The snow code says use salt or sand, not water, which can refreeze as black ice. Ordinary table or dishwasher salt works, and sand or ash give grip if you run out. The British Red Cross adds that cat litter can stand in for gritting salt.
The snow code says about a tablespoon of salt for each square metre you clear, with more on steps and steep paths. Don’t take salt from the council’s grit bins, which is for the roads, unless your council says you can.
Peacock White Salt 25kgAlso good: Peacock White Salt 10kg — £8.98as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£18.49Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Shoes with good grip, or ice gripsEssential
GOV.UK Prepare, UKHSA and the NHS all say wear shoes with good grip to avoid slips and falls on slippery or icy surfaces. The British Red Cross warns of black ice on paths and that compacted snow is slippery too.
A pair each for anyone who will go out. Pull-on ice grips are optional, our suggestion for icy pavements; take them off indoors and on hard floors.
Kahtoola EXOspikesAlso good: Kahtoola MICROspikes — £72.89as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£66.47Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Pipe lagging, and know your stop tapEssential
UKHSA lists insulation for water pipes to stop them freezing, and the British Red Cross says keep the radiators on, with every room at least 7°C, because frozen pipes can leave you without water and cause flooding. GOV.UK Prepare says know how to turn off your water: the stop tap is usually inside, where the supply comes in.
Foam lagging for pipes in lofts, garages and outside walls, and a tap cover for any outside tap. Find the stop tap now and check it turns. Our guide covers frozen and burst pipes.
Climaflex 22mm x 13mmAlso good: Climaflex 15mm x 9mm — £6.95as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£11.05Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Draught excludersOptional
UKHSA says try to reduce draughts, and that you can fit draught excluders around doors cheaply. The British Red Cross says check for gaps around windows too, and seal small ones yourself.
One for each outside door, and a letterbox brush if yours rattles. A rolled towel along the bottom of a door works too.
Stormguard Concealed Door Brush (838mm)Also good: Wickes Internal White Letter Box Draught Excluder, 78 x 338mm — £7.50checked 21 Oct 2026£10.59Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - First aid kit1 Essential
The British Red Cross lists a first aid kit among the essentials to have in before snow, alongside food, batteries and a torch. Slips on ice are the usual winter injury, and a sprain is easier to deal with when the bandage is already in the drawer.
One for the household. Our first aid kit builder lists what to put in it.
Steroplast 70-pieceAlso good: Lifesystems Waterproof First Aid Kit — £21.99as of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.£19.99Check price →Compareas of 21 Oct 2026, 10:37 BST · Details
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. - Numbers on paper, and who to check on1 Essential
GOV.UK Prepare says write important numbers on paper: 105 to report a power cut in England, Scotland and Wales (03457 643643 in Northern Ireland), the people you would contact, your regular medicines and your insurance. It also says plan to check on neighbours, particularly if the power goes out, and UKHSA says ask older neighbours whether they need help stocking up.
One list, kept with the torch. Add your water company, your GP and pharmacy, NHS 111, and the neighbours you will look in on. GOV.UK Prepare says check whether you can join your energy and water companies’ Priority Services Registers.
Make a household emergency plan → - Room thermometerOptional
UKHSA and the NHS say heat the rooms you spend most time in, such as the living room and bedroom, to at least 18°C, and the British Red Cross says keep every room at least 7°C. A thermometer tells you whether you are there; it matters most for anyone older or unwell.
One for the room where the most vulnerable person spends the day. Any cheap indoor thermometer will do.
Keeping warm if the heating is off →
One of each goes into your Amazon basket in one go (Amazon may ask you to sign in first). Change the quantities or take out anything you already own before you pay.
We don’t add these up: each price is shown beside its item, and you’ll probably only need some of them.
Never use a barbecue, camping stove, generator or fuel heater indoors, in a garage or in a tent to cook or keep warm when the power or heating is off. The NHS lists portable generators, gas and paraffin heaters, and barbecues or camping stoves used inside among the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you suspect carbon monoxide, stop using the appliance, go outside and get medical advice; ring the National Gas Helpline free on 0800 111 999 if you think a gas appliance is leaking it. Know the symptoms.
Hypothermia: UKHSA lists shivering, slow breathing, tiredness or confusion, and pale, cold skin. Contact NHS 111 if you think someone may have it, and in an emergency dial 999. GOV.UK Prepare says hypothermia is a medical emergency that needs treating in hospital.
Clearing snow, the Department for Transport’s snow code: clear early, use salt or sand and never water (it refreezes as black ice), take care where you put the snow, and leave the salt in council grit bins for the roads unless your council says otherwise. Watch for snow sliding off roofs as it melts (British Red Cross).
A burst pipe: turn off the water at the stop tap straight away and call a plumber. Our guide to frozen and burst pipes covers thawing a frozen one safely.
Power cuts: call 105 in England, Scotland and Wales, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland (GOV.UK Prepare). If you rely on medical equipment or need extra help, ask your energy and water companies about their Priority Services Register; in Northern Ireland these are called Customer Care Registers.
Travelling: the British Red Cross says don’t take risks in treacherous weather, and if you must go, tell someone your route and when you expect to arrive. If you must drive, take the winter car kit.
Get your personalised checklist
A printable PDF sized to 2 adults · 3 days, with a QR code back to your list.
Your kit covers supplies. The Family File covers everything else: who to ring, where the paperwork is, what someone would need to know.
Questions
How many days should I prepare to be snowed in for?
There is no set number. The British Red Cross says be prepared to stay put for a few days, and GOV.UK Prepare plans for an emergency lasting a few days. This builder defaults to three and goes up to seven, so you can plan for longer if you live somewhere that is often cut off.
What temperature should I keep my home in cold weather?
UKHSA and the NHS say heat the rooms you spend most time in, such as the living room and bedroom, to at least 18°C if you can, especially if you are older or have a health condition, and keep bedroom windows closed at night. The British Red Cross says keep every room at least 7°C, with radiators on, to stop pipes freezing.
Can I use salt from the grit bin on my own path?
The snow code says not to use the salt in salting bins, because it is needed to keep the roads clear, unless your council says otherwise. Ordinary table or dishwasher salt works, about a tablespoon per square metre, and sand or ash give grip if you run out. GOV.UK says it is unlikely you will be sued or held responsible if someone is injured on a path you have cleared carefully; our guide explains the law on clearing snow.
Is it safe to use a camping stove or barbecue indoors if the power goes off?
No. The NHS says do not use a barbecue or camping stove indoors or inside a tent, and lists portable generators and paraffin heaters among the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Use food that needs no cooking, a flask filled while you still have power, and warm layers and blankets instead.
Sources (10)
- British Red Cross: how to prepare for snow and cold weather
- British Red Cross: prepare an emergency kit
- GOV.UK Prepare: cold weather, snow and ice
- GOV.UK Prepare: get prepared for emergencies
- UKHSA: top tips for keeping warm and well this winter (GOV.UK)
- NHS: keep warm, keep well
- NHS: carbon monoxide poisoning
- Met Office: clearing your path or driveway, the snow code (Department for Transport advice)
- GOV.UK: clear snow from a road, path or cycleway
- GOV.UK: Cold-Health Alerting system overview (UKHSA)
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