How often should you check your emergency kit?

Check your emergency kit every 6 months: is it still complete, and are food, water, medicines and batteries still good? Make sure you can manage on your own for at least 72 hours.

Belgium’s National Crisis Centre, in line with the whole European Union, recommends an emergency kit that lets you manage on your own for at least 72 hours. Do not let products expire: use them and restock. The Dutch government campaign Denk vooruit advises a check every six months.

1. Check the use-by dates of food, water and medicines
2. Test the torch and radio and replace the batteries
3. Check copies of documents and emergency numbers
4. Top up what is missing and keep the kit in a fixed place

20 to 40 minutes.

• emergency kit
• spare batteries

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This is a general guideline. Always follow the manual of your appliance or product too.

Source

• Denk vooruit (Nederlandse Rijksoverheid) — Stel je noodpakket samen
• Nationaal Crisiscentrum (FOD Binnenlandse Zaken) — Een noodpakket bij je thuis
• Ready.gov (FEMA, VS) — Build A Kit

Checked on: 2026-09-27

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• How often should you restock your first aid kit?
• How often should you check your escape routes at home?