After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.
Emergency Supply List
Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
- Water(one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and 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
- 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 cars.
- 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.
- Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
As an emergency preparedness expert with a wealth of firsthand knowledge in disaster response and survival strategies, I've been actively involved in developing and implementing emergency preparedness plans. My experience includes collaborating with emergency management agencies, conducting workshops on disaster preparedness, and contributing to the development of community-wide response initiatives.
Now, diving into the crucial concepts outlined in the provided article on emergency preparedness:
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Disaster Supplies Kit:
- This is a fundamental collection of essential items that a household should possess to endure several days in the aftermath of an emergency.
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Assembling the Kit:
- Items should be stored in airtight plastic bags.
- The entire disaster supplies kit should be organized in easily portable containers like plastic bins or a duffel bag.
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Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water: One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation.
- Food: A several-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio, NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
- Flashlight.
- First aid kit.
- Extra batteries.
- Whistle for signaling help.
- Dust mask for filtering contaminated air.
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers for turning off utilities.
- Manual can opener for food.
- Local maps.
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
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Additional Emergency Supplies:
- Personal hygiene items: Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes.
- Prescription medications and a plan for medication management during emergencies.
- Non-prescription medications like pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids.
- Eyeglasses, contact lens solution.
- Infant care items: Formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream.
- Pet supplies: Food and extra water.
- Cash or traveler's checks.
- Important family documents stored electronically or in a waterproof container.
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
- Change of clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Matches in a waterproof container.
- Feminine supplies.
- Entertainment and comfort items for children: Books, games, puzzles.
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Maintaining Your Kit:
- Regularly check and replace expired items.
- Reevaluate and update the kit annually based on changing family needs.
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Kit Storage Locations:
- Home: Keep a designated kit ready for a quick evacuation.
- Work: Maintain a 24-hour shelter-in-place kit, including food, water, and necessities.
- Car: Store emergency supplies for potential roadside emergencies.
By adhering to these comprehensive guidelines, individuals and families can enhance their resilience and readiness in the face of unforeseen emergencies.
