The bag you grab when the power goes.
Torch, lantern, fire steel, foil blankets, tools and a first aid kit in one black grab bag. Keep it under the stairs or in the car boot. When it goes wrong, you open one bag and you're sorted.
The lights go out.
The power drops at 7pm. Your phone's on 9%. The kids are asking what's happening. Most people go digging for a candle and a lighter. You grab the bag. Lantern on. Foil blankets round the kids. Everyone else is waiting for it to come back on. You've already handled it.
What it does for you
Light
Lantern for the room, zoom torch for the road.
Warmth
Foil tent, foil blankets and a poncho to keep the cold and wet off.
Fire
Fire steel, tinder cords and a backup on the bracelet.
Signal
Two whistles and glow sticks so you get found.
Repair
Axe, hammer, shovel, wire saw and a card tool for the jobs that can't wait.
First aid
A proper first aid kit for cuts, scrapes and sprains.
Where it earns its place
In the car boot
A breakdown on a dark road. Light and warmth while you wait.
Under the stairs
A power cut at home. One bag to reach for when the lights go out.
On the campsite
A wet weekend camping. Fire, shelter and the tools to keep going.
Out on the moor
Miles from anywhere. Navigation, fire and shelter in one bag.
Like insurance
Everyone means to sort an emergency kit and never gets round to it. Buy it once, put it under the stairs and forget it's there, right up until the night you need it.