Build Your Emergency Kit
Essential supplies to sustain your family during and after disasters
Why You Need an Emergency Kit
After a major disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could be without basic utilities like water, gas, electricity, or telephone service for days or even weeks. Your family should be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. Building an emergency supply kit with essential items can help you through the critical first days following a disaster.
72-Hour Minimum
Your kit should sustain your family for at least 3 days without outside assistance. Consider extending to 2 weeks for maximum preparedness.
Multiple Locations
Keep kits at home, in your vehicle, and at work. Portable kits should be ready to grab quickly during evacuations.
Regular Maintenance
Review your kit every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, medications, and batteries. Update clothing as seasons and family needs change.
Essential Emergency Supplies
Core items every emergency kit must include
Water
1 gallon per person per day for 3 days
- Store in food-grade containers
- Replace every 6 months
- Include water for pets
- Consider water purification tablets
- Portable water filter as backup
Food
3-day supply of non-perishable food
- Ready-to-eat canned goods
- Protein/energy bars
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Peanut butter and crackers
- Comfort foods (cookies, candy)
- Baby food and formula if needed
First Aid Kit
Comprehensive medical supplies
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads and tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen)
- Scissors, tweezers, thermometer
- Latex gloves
- First aid instruction manual
Battery-Powered Radio
NOAA Weather Radio preferred
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- NOAA Weather Radio with alerts
- Extra batteries
- Solar-powered charger option
Flashlights & Batteries
Multiple light sources
- LED flashlights (one per person)
- Extra batteries (all sizes needed)
- Headlamps for hands-free lighting
- Glow sticks (no batteries required)
Emergency Blankets
Warmth and shelter
- Emergency mylar blankets
- Sleeping bags or blankets
- Warm clothing and rain gear
- Plastic sheeting for shelter
Complete Emergency Kit Checklist
Communication & Documents
- Cell phone with chargers (car & wall)
- Portable battery banks/power banks
- Family communication plan written down
- Emergency contact list (printed)
- Copies of important documents in waterproof container:
- Driver's licenses and IDs
- Insurance policies (home, auto, health)
- Bank account records
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Medical records and immunizations
- Property deeds and titles
- Cash and credit cards
- Spare house and car keys
Sanitation & Hygiene
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer
- Soap and shampoo
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers and baby wipes (if needed)
- Plastic garbage bags and ties
- Plastic bucket with tight lid (emergency toilet)
- Disinfectant and household chlorine bleach
- Personal hygiene items
Tools & Supplies
- Battery-powered or hand-crank can opener
- Utility knife or multi-tool
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting
- Matches in waterproof container
- Fire extinguisher (small, ABC type)
- Pliers and wrench (to turn off utilities)
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust masks or N95 respirators
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Local maps (GPS may not work)
- Compass
Clothing & Bedding
- Complete change of clothes per person:
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
- Sturdy shoes or boots
- Hat and gloves
- Rain gear
- Extra socks and underwear
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket per person
- Emergency blankets (mylar)
- Sunglasses
- Seasonal clothing appropriate to climate
Special Needs Items
- Infant formula and bottles
- Baby food and diapers
- Prescription medications (7+ day supply)
- Medical equipment (oxygen, glucose meter, etc.)
- Glasses or contact lenses with solution
- Hearing aid batteries
- Wheelchair batteries
- Service animal supplies
- List of medications and dosages
- Medical alert devices
Pet Supplies
- 3-day supply of food and water
- Food and water bowls
- Collar with ID tags
- Leash or carrier
- Medications and medical records
- Photo of pet (for identification)
- Litter box and litter (cats)
- Pet first aid kit
Comfort & Entertainment
- Books, games, puzzles
- Playing cards
- Toys for children
- Paper and pencils
- Comfort items (stuffed animals, photos)
- Activities for children
Additional Recommended Items
- Household chlorine bleach (water purification)
- Water purification tablets
- Portable water filter
- Paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils
- Aluminum foil
- Rope or paracord
- Tent or tarp
- Sewing kit
- Notepad and permanent markers
- Books on emergency preparedness
- Backup chargers for electronic devices
Kit Storage & Maintenance
Storage Containers
Choose appropriate containers for your emergency supplies:
- Large plastic bins - For home storage, stackable and waterproof
- Backpacks or duffel bags - For evacuation kits, portable and easy to carry
- 5-gallon buckets with lids - For water and bulk supplies
- Waterproof document bags - For important papers
- Plastic zipper bags - For organizing smaller items
Label everything: Mark each container with contents and storage date. Use bright colors for quick identification.
Storage Locations
Keep emergency kits in strategic locations:
- Home kit - Accessible location, known to all family members
- Vehicle kit - Trunk or cargo area, compact and temperature-resistant items
- Work kit - Desk drawer or locker, enough to get home safely
- Secondary location - Garage or shed for additional supplies
Accessibility matters: Store in climate-controlled areas when possible. Ensure heavy items are on lower shelves.
Maintenance Schedule
Regular kit maintenance ensures readiness:
- Every 6 months:
- Check and replace expired food and water
- Test batteries and replace weak ones
- Update clothing for season and size changes
- Review and update important documents
- Annually:
- Review entire kit contents
- Update medications and prescriptions
- Replace any damaged or used items
- Update family emergency plan
Set reminders: Choose dates you'll remember, like daylight saving time changes or New Year's Day.
Special Considerations
Customize your kit for specific situations:
- Climate factors: Include cold weather gear in winter, cooling items in hot climates
- Home situation: Apartment dwellers need different supplies than homeowners
- Family composition: Infants, elderly, disabled family members require specialized items
- Pets: Don't forget supplies for four-legged family members
- Geographic hazards: Add specific items for local risks (earthquake, hurricane, etc.)
Personalize your kit: Your kit should reflect your family's unique needs, not a one-size-fits-all list.
Vehicle Emergency Kit
Essential supplies to keep in your car at all times
Basic Survival Items
- Bottled water (rotate regularly)
- Non-perishable snacks (energy bars)
- Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Matches in waterproof container
- Whistle for signaling
Vehicle Tools & Safety
- Jumper cables or jump starter
- Tire pressure gauge
- Spare tire (properly inflated)
- Jack and lug wrench
- Tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers)
- Duct tape and zip ties
- Warning triangles or flares
- Fire extinguisher (5lb, ABC type)
Winter Weather Extras
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Sand or cat litter (traction)
- Shovel
- Extra warm clothing and gloves
- Hand warmers
- Winter sleeping bag
Communication & Navigation
- Cell phone car charger
- Road maps (paper backup)
- Emergency contact list
- Paper and pen
- "HELP" sign
Don't Wait - Start Building Your Kit Today
You don't need to assemble your entire kit at once. Start with water, food, and first aid, then gradually add items each week until your kit is complete.