Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most items are inexpensive and easy to
find, any one of them could save a life. Be sure to consider unique needs once you have taken care of the basics. These
include supplies for pets and seniors
Store all your supplies in a plastic tub that is easily accessible.
- Water: One gallon of water per person, per day. Try to have enough for at least three days, for drinking and hygiene.
- Food: At least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
- Prescription Medications: At least a week’s worth of medication. Don’t forget non-prescription medications.
- Cash: In case ATMs are unavailable or credit /debit card systems are down.
- Important Documents: Copies of important documents, such as Insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, medical
cards, etc., along with your family emergency plan.
- Kitchen Items: Utensils, cups, plastic containers with lids, napkins, plastic ties, garbage bags and disinfectant wipes.
- Personal Hygiene: Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer. Also, don’t forget toothbrushes and toothpaste.
- Blanket & Clothes: Keep a spare set of clothes and blankets to keep warm and dry.
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio.
- Flashlight: Don’t forget the extra batteries. Consider adding some light sticks.
- First Aid Kit & Dust Mask: For any medical needs and to help filter contaminated air.
- Whistle & Local Map: Use to signal for help and evacuate without GPS, if needed.
- Cell Phone Chargers: Include a solar charger and/or fully charged power banks (will need to be recharged).
- Plastic Sheeting & Duct Tape: To help shelter-in-place if needed. Also consider nylon rope.
- Wrench and Pliers: To turn off utilities. Multi-purpose/multi-functional tool as well.
- Also Consider Hand warmers, waterproof matches, gloves, pocket knife and fire extinguisher.
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lenses solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.