UK emergency preparedness | Practical buying guide
The UK Government's new Be Ready campaign encourages households to prepare for three days of disruption. Here's how a reliable emergency radio, portable lighting and backup power can help.
Read the official Be Ready guidance ↗A power cut can take more than your lights out. Home broadband, mobile charging, heating controls and access to online information can all be affected. The Cabinet Office's updated Be Ready for Emergencies campaign, announced on 22 October 2026, is a reminder that a few simple preparations can make everyday disruptions easier to manage.
The Government's checklist recommends an FM radio powered by batteries or a wind-up mechanism, a torch and a charged power bank, alongside essential water, food and other household supplies. At Martin Lynch & Sons, we have selected four practical products that can help cover those communication, lighting and charging needs.
THE THREE-DAY CHECKLIST
The official guidance focuses on everyday resilience, not expensive specialist equipment. For a power cut, three especially useful items are:
01 / INFORMATION
Receive broadcast news and updates without relying on your home internet connection.
02 / LIGHTING
Make it easier to move around safely when household lighting is unavailable.
03 / BACKUP POWER
Keep compatible USB devices topped up if mains electricity is interrupted.
Source: UK Government Be Ready checklist. Martin Lynch & Sons is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the campaign.
EXPLORE THE RANGE
Choose a compact radio, a more substantial outdoor model, or a larger-capacity emergency power and lighting unit.
COMPACT DAB+ / FM RADIO
A compact, easy-to-store emergency radio for the home, car or grab bag. Tune into DAB+ and FM broadcasts, with USB-C, solar and hand-crank charging available for its internal battery.
Approx. 377 g, 20 DAB+ and 20 FM presets, built-in LED flashlight, SOS lighting and an emergency 5 V / 0.3 A USB output.
RUGGED AM / FM RADIO
A robust, multi-powered radio with AM and FM reception, Bluetooth audio, USB-C charging, a solar panel and hand-crank dynamo. Suited to both an emergency kit and regular outdoor use.
IP55-rated construction, 2,600 mAh rechargeable battery, integrated emergency lighting and USB power-bank output.
Please note: this AM/FM model does not receive DAB or DAB+.
Shop Sangean MMR-99RUGGED DAB+ / FM RADIO
For those wanting the larger MMR-99 format with DAB+ as well as FM. Combine digital radio reception with Bluetooth, solar, USB-C and hand-crank charging.
IP55-rated construction, 2,600 mAh rechargeable battery, five-mode emergency lighting, audible siren and 5 V / 1 A USB-A output.
HAND-CRANK POWER BANK / LIGHT
Need more stored energy and practical room lighting? The MyDEL S60 combines a 22,500 mAh (83.25 Wh) lithium-ion battery, a hand-crank generator, USB charging connections and a multi-level LED light panel.
USB-C Power Delivery up to 18 W, dual USB-A fast-charge outputs, three light-panel brightness levels and a separate SOS-capable LED torch.
This is a power bank and lighting unit, not a broadcast radio.
Shop MyDEL S60AT A GLANCE
| Product | Radio reception | Off-grid option | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| MMR-88 DAB+ | DAB+ / FM | Crank / solar | Compact grab bags |
| MMR-99 | AM / FM | Crank / solar | Rugged outdoor radio |
| MMR-99 DAB+ | DAB+ / FM | Crank / solar | Rugged digital radio |
| MyDEL S60 | None | Hand crank | USB power and floodlighting |
A PRACTICAL POINT
A hand-crank generator is valuable because it gives you a way to produce a limited amount of power without a mains socket. It is particularly useful for keeping an emergency radio usable when other charging options are unavailable.
However, hand cranking is an emergency top-up method, not a quick way to recharge a large battery or fully charge a smartphone. Solar panels also depend on light levels and conditions. For that reason, charge your radio and power bank in advance, keep suitable cables with them and check their charge periodically.
For the most flexible kit, pair a Sangean radio for information with the MyDEL S60 for higher-capacity USB power and broader-area lighting.
BUILD YOUR HOUSEHOLD KIT
Find a usable local or national FM station and note its frequency on paper. Test DAB+ too if your radio supports it.
Top up your emergency radio and power bank using their normal USB charging inputs.
Store a working torch where you can reach it safely in the dark. Check its operation regularly.
Include drinking water, suitable non-perishable food, medicines and other items your household relies on.
Keep emergency contacts and the electricity power-cut reporting number to hand: 105 in Great Britain, or 03457 643643 in Northern Ireland.
PREPARE GRADUALLY. STAY INFORMED.
The Be Ready campaign is about manageable steps, not buying everything at once. If you're putting together a home emergency kit, a dependable wind-up FM radio and a charged power bank are sensible places to start.
Official Government checklist Explore emergency radiosAlways follow official emergency advice. No single radio, torch or power bank replaces a full household emergency plan. Broadcast reception depends on available stations and local conditions; USB emergency outputs are intended for compatible devices and may provide only limited charging power.
