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Build an Emergency Supply Kit
Whether you are packing a Go Bag for quick evacuation or building a Stay Kit to shelter in place, it’s important to make sure both are stocked with the essential supplies your family would need to stay safe during an emergency or disaster. The good news is that many of these items are low-cost, no-cost, or things you may already have at home, such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and basic first aid.
After you’ve gathered the basics, take time to consider your family’s unique needs. Think about supplies for infants and young children, medications or medical devices for seniors, and food or comfort items for pets. Every household is different, and planning ahead ensures that everyone has what they need when it matters most.
By preparing now, you can reduce stress during an emergency and focus on keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
Essential Items for Your Emergency Supply Kits
- 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 a paper contact list, insurance policies, birth and marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, medical cards, and 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 and clothes: Keep a spare set of clothes and blankets to keep warm and dry.
- Radio: Battery-powered or hand crank radio, preferably NOAA Weather Radio.
- Flashlight: Don’t forget the extra batteries. Consider adding some light sticks.
- First aid kit and dust mask: For any medical needs and to help filter contaminated air.
- Whistle and local paper 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 and 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.
Additional Emergency Supplies to Consider
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives, and motion sickness medication
- Glasses, extra pairs of contact lenses, contact lens case 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 for each person
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Paper plates, cups, paper towels or wipes, and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Plastic Ziploc bags
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kits
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.
Visit https://www.ready.gov/food for more suggestions on food supplies and storage information.
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.
Visit https://www.ready.gov/car for car safety and preparedness for long trips.