Building an Emergency Kit
After a disaster, help may not reach you for days, and power, water and stores may be out. An emergency kit lets your household get by on its own.
- Families
Photo: emergency kit in a waterproof tote with water, food, radio and flashlight
Basic home kit (several days)
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for several days (more for hot climates and pets)
- Food: several days of non-perishable food, and a manual can opener
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, ideally with NOAA Weather Radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit. See Home First Aid Kit.
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust masks, plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Phone chargers and a backup battery
- Local maps
Don’t forget
- Prescription medicines (a week or more), glasses, hearing aid batteries
- Baby supplies: formula, diapers, wipes
- Pet food, water, leash or carrier, and records
- Copies of IDs, insurance policies and medical info in a waterproof bag or saved digitally
- Cash in small bills
- Change of clothes, sturdy shoes, blankets or sleeping bags
- Fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container
Go-bag vs. stay-at-home kit
Keep a lighter go-bag for each person ready to grab if you need to evacuate, plus a smaller kit in your vehicle and at work. Check and refresh supplies every six months.
Standards & references
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