Why do you need a Disaster Supply Kit?

A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. This should include enough of your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least three days. Although emergency responders and local relief agencies will be on scene following a disaster, they may be greatly overwhelmed. Depending on the severity of the disaster, help may arrive within minutes, hours or days.

Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off. You may be stranded away from your home or have to shelter in place. Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles. Refer to the Emergency Supply Kit Fact Sheet for more information. 

Emergency Supply Kit

The Basics of a Disaster Supply Kit

Use the following checklists from FEMA to create your supply kit, or our 21 Weeks to Prep checklist to build a kit in 21 weeks. 

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)

☑️Food (at least a three-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:

☑️Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

☑️Prescription medications

☑️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

☑️Consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, and supplies for seniors or individuals with disabilities

Download a Printable Version

Maintain 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.

Store your Kit

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.