Build a Kit

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. An emergency supply 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. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.

Headed to the store? Take this Build a Kit Checklist with you!

BASIC EMERGENCY KIT SUPPLIES

Collect these essential supplies for each member of your family. Plan to live off your kit for at least 3 days:

Food that won't spoil and doesn't need electricity to prepare
One gallon of water per person, per day for drinking and hygiene
A written family emergency plan
A battery-powered and/or hand crank radio and a flashlight with extra batteries
A portable and/or vehicle charger and cable for your cell phone

If you have to evacuate, take your kit. Keep it in an easily portable container, in an easily accessible place.

Once you have collected the essentials, complete your kit with additional items listed below.

FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Manual can opener
Snacks
Personal hygiene items
First aid kit
Trash bags
Disposable gloves
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blankets
Food for pets
Whistle
Tools to turn off utilities
Protective Mask
Glasses or contact lenses
Backpack
Critical documents on a USB drive
Prescription medications and supplies for any medical equipment
Games/books
Electronic device chargers
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

FOR INFANTS:

Baby food
Hygiene products
Powder milk and formula
Toys
First-aid kit
Trash bags
Baby wipes
Diaper bag or backpack
Shot records
Diapers

FOR PETS:

Name tags and leash
Food and one gallon of water per pet, per day
Medications and first-aid kit
Recent pictures of you with your pet
Snacks
Vet contact info/shot records
Pet carrier
Litter box
Toys

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 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.