Basic Emergency Supply Kit

A basic emergency supply kit serves as an easily accessible bag full of only the necessary items for the event of an emergency or natural disaster. All items within your emergency kit should be stored in airtight bags or containers within one or two easy-to-grab backpacks, duffel bags, or plastic bins.

 

A basic disaster supply kit should include the following items:

• Water: One gallon per person, per day, to be used for hydration and sanitation. There should be a 3-day supply for an evacuation and a 2-week supply for home.
• Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items such as canned foods, energy bars, or dried foods. There should be a 3-day supply for an evacuation and a 2-week supply for home.
• Flashlight and NOAA weather radio if possible (battery-powered or hand-cranked).
• First Aid Kit
• Extra Batteries
• Manual can opener for food items
• Whistle to signal for help
• Cell phone with chargers and backup battery.
• Emergency blanket
• Plastic sheets and duct tape to shelter in place.
• Multi-tool
• Local maps 

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding additional items to your emergency supply kit based on your families’ personal needs:

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers and antacids.
• Prescription glasses or contacts with contact solution.
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and rash creams
• Extra cash
• Two-way radio
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Change of clothing that is appropriate to your location’s climate.
• Family and emergency contact information (consider including copies of medication lists, proof of address, birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies).
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, stuffed animals, or other activities for small children.

 

Have a pet? Be sure to create an emergency kit for them as well.

• Collar and ID
• Leash
• Food, water, and bowl
• Carrier
• Copy of pet’s vet records

Maintaining Your Emergency Kit

After you assemble your disaster preparedness kit, be sure to perform maintenance so your kit is always ready in the event of an emergency:

• Keep food items in a cool, dry place.
• Check expiration dates and replace items as necessary.
• Reevaluate your needs and update your kit as your family needs change.

Kit Storage Locations

Due to the unpredictability of an emergency, prepare a kit for your home, work, and car.

• Home: Keep this kit in an easy-to-grab place in case you need to leave quickly. Ensure all family members know where the disaster kit is stored.
• Work: Keep a small emergency kit at your place of work in case you need to shelter in place. Consider adding a 24-hour supply of food and water, a first aid kit, and a change of weather-appropriate clothing and shoes.
• Car: Keep a set of emergency supplies in your car

 

This list of emergency supply items serves as a starting point. It is vital to know the risk of potential disasters in your area when considering what to include in your emergency supply kit. It is necessary to consider the individual needs of your family, including any dependents or household pets. Additionally, FEMA recommends preparing a least two emergency supply kits.