Don't get caught out: here's everything you need to put in your home emergency kit

(Image credit: Blukar, Anker, Garmin / Edited with Gemini) If you live in the UK then you can't have missed that the government has encouraged people to take "small, simple" steps to stay prepared in the case of an emergency. It comes just as the UK is being battered with severe storms.It all sounds quite scary, but this is a case where making a few small purchases now can make a real difference later — and that's where this article comes in.I've pulled together a list of 15 items that will help you feel safer and more prepared in case of emergencies. Most of these are small, everyday items like torches, phone power banks (don't forget to keep them charged), and first aid kits. There are also a few larger items like sleeping bags, backpacks, and an SOS Satellite Communicator in case you have to be on the move.All being well you won't need to use these items, but it's much better to be safe than sorry.Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Will Salmon is Tom's Guide's Collections Editor, curating advice on the best products to spend your money on. Will has been writing about tech and entertainment for almost 20 years, including stints as GamesRadar+'s Streaming Editor, editing comics website Newsarama, and writing for lots and lots of magazines. You can read his work in SFX magazine, GamesRadar+, and right here on Tom's Guide.