Introduction
An emergency preparedness kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
You should have enough supplies in your kit to last for at least 72 hours. Consider packing enough supplies for each person in your household, including pets.
Your kit should be easy to carry and store, and it should be kept in a cool, dry place.
A basic emergency preparedness kit should include the following items:
- Water: At least one gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation
- Food: Non-perishable food such as canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, cereal, granola bars, and dried fruit
- Can opener
- Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Whistle: To signal for help
- Clothing and bedding: A change of clothes for each person, plus extra blankets
- Tools: A utility knife and duct tape
- Filters: For use with your water and radio to remove impurities
- Medications: A two-week supply of any prescription medications you or members of your household take regularly
Why You Need an Emergency Preparedness Kit
In unsafe conditions, such as during a hurricane, tornado, wildfire, winter storm, or flood, you may need to leave your home quickly. Knowing what to do and having supplies ready ahead of time can help you stay safe.
If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires, it is a good idea to have an emergency preparedness kit on hand. A properly stocked kit can help you survive for at least three days if you are stranded.
Your emergency preparedness kit should be packed and ready to go at all times. Store it in an easily accessible location, such as a basement, garage, or utility room. Make sure everyone in your household knows where the kit is located and how to use the items inside of it.
What to Include in an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Every family should have an emergency preparedness kit. This kit should include enough supplies for every family member for at least 72 hours. Some of the items you will want to include are food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and batteries. You will also want to include items for specific needs such as baby formula or medication.
Food and Water
Include enough non-perishable food and water to last each person in your family for at least 3 days. Remember to pack special foods for infants or the elderly. Don’t forget can openers and eating utensils.
Your kit should include:
-3 days’ worth of non-perishable food for each person in your family
-Water – one gallon per person, per day
-Can opener and eating utensils
Shelter and Warmth
Survival experts recommend that you have at least three days’ worth of supplies in your emergency kit. Depending on the severity of the disaster, you may need to stay in your shelter for longer.
To be prepared, include the following items in your kit:
- Tent
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Pillows
- Sturdy shoes
- Clothing appropriate for the season
- Fire starter and matches
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit -Radio
First Aid
A first aid kit is a must-have for any emergency situation. It should be well-stocked with items such as bandages, gauze, tape, scissors, gloves, antiseptic wipes, and more. You may also want to include a copy of the First Aid Handbook in your kit.
Tools and Supplies
- A flashlight and batteries
- A battery-operated or hand-crank radio
- A first-aid kit
- A 7-day supply of non-perishable food
- A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day)
- Warm clothing and blankets
- A map of the area
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Be sure to pack seasonally appropriate items, as well as extra socks, underwear, and hats. If you have infants or small children, include extra blankets and diapers. In cold weather, pack warm coats, gloves, boots, and extra blankets. In hot weather, pack extra hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Important Documents
In addition to the items in your emergency preparedness kit, you should also keep important documents in a waterproof, portable container.
- You’ll want to include:
- Identification for every member of your family, such as driver’s licenses, passports, birth certificates, etc.
- Medical forms for each family member, including insurance information
- School records
- Financial records like bank account numbers and credit card information
- A copy of your home inventory
How to Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Assemble a disaster supplies kit for your home and car.
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
- Basic disaster supply kits should include:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and 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
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
Where to Keep Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
Having an emergency preparedness kit is important, but it won’t do you any good if you can’t find it when you need it. Here are a few suggestions for where to keep your emergency kit:
-In a designated spot in your home, such as a closet or basement
-In your car
-At your workplace
-In a portable container that you can take with you if you have to evacuate
Conclusion
Now that you know the basics of what to include in an emergency preparedness kit, it’s time to get started gathering supplies. Remember to tailor your kit to fit your specific needs and remember to periodically check expiration dates and restock as needed. Most importantly, don’t wait until an emergency is looming to start preparing—being proactive could one day mean the difference between life and death.