Buying guides
How to choose emergency gear
What fire services, health bodies and emergency agencies say to look for in alarms, extinguishers, first aid kits, torches, radios, power banks and water containers. No fake reviews, no brands: just the official checklist, then compare options yourself.
GuideHow to choose a smoke alarmA working smoke alarm gives your family the early warning needed to get out. Pick certified, long-life alarms, enough to cover every level, and link them if you can.GuideHow to choose a carbon monoxide alarmCarbon monoxide has no smell or colour, so only an alarm can warn you. Get a certified, audible alarm for any home with gas, oil, coal or wood burning appliances.GuideHow to choose a home fire extinguisherA certified, multipurpose extinguisher can put out a small fire before it spreads. Pair it with a fire blanket in the kitchen, and always put getting out first.GuideHow to choose a home first aid kitA well-stocked first aid kit lets you treat cuts, burns and minor injuries quickly. Whether you buy one or build your own, check it has the essentials and keep it topped up.GuideHow to choose an emergency torchPick a battery or wind-up torch, ideally LED, plus a headlamp for hands-free use. Keep spare batteries stored outside the torch and check them regularly.GuideHow to choose an emergency radioChoose a radio that runs on batteries or a wind-up crank so you can still hear official news when power, phones and internet are down.GuideHow to choose an emergency power bankBuy a certified power bank with built-in overcharge, short circuit and overheating protection, keep it charged, and never leave it in a hot car or direct sun.GuideHow to choose an emergency water containerUse food-grade, tightly sealing, unbreakable containers, clean and sanitise them before filling, store them cool and dark, and replace the water every six months.