Build an Emergency Kit

Water0 / 10 of 1 gathered

Store it in a cool, dark place. Replace water you bottled yourself every 6 months; store-bought water keeps until its expiration date.

• Drinking and sanitation water25 gal1 gal per person per day for 7 days, plus water for pets. About 5 five-gallon jugs.

Food0 / 20 of 2 gathered

Pick foods your household already eats and that need no cooking.

• Non-perishable food63 meals3 meals a day per person, about 39,200 calories total.
• Manual can opener1

Light, power and news0 / 30 of 3 gathered

• Flashlight3
• Spare batteries for every device2 sets each
• Battery or hand-crank NOAA weather radio1

First aid and health0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• First aid kit1
• Prescription medicine7-day supplyKeep a written list of names and doses.

Sanitation0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Heavy garbage bags with ties1 box

Clothing and shelter0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• Hats, gloves and thermal layers3 sets
• Battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm1Put one near every sleeping area. Never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in a garage.

Pets0 / 30 of 3 gathered

Many shelters do not accept pets. Know a pet-friendly hotel or friend.

• Dog food9 days for 1 dog
• Leash or harness, collar or ID tag, and carrier1 set
• Pet medicines7 days

Go-bags0 / 50 of 5 gathered

• Backpack3
• Water bottles plus purification tablets3 sets
• 3 days of light, no-cook food3 bags
• Flashlight or headlamp with batteries3
• 3-day supply of each prescription, for everyone who takes one1 set

Water0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Water purification tablets or unscented bleach1 packTreats water if stored supply runs out.

Light, power and news0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• Portable phone power bank2
• Printed list of emergency phone numbers1

First aid and health0 / 40 of 4 gathered

• Pain reliever, fever reducer, antacid, anti-diarrhea medicine1 each
• Children’s fever and pain medicine1Follow label dosing chart by weight.
• Dust masks3Counted for ages 3 and up. Children under 2 should never wear a mask.
• Hand sanitizer2 bottles

Sanitation0 / 40 of 4 gathered

• Toilet paper6 rollsAssumes 1 roll per person per 4 days.
• Moist towelettes2 packs
• 5-gallon bucket with liner bags1Sewer lines can break or back up.
• Feminine and personal hygiene supplies7 days

Tools and safety0 / 30 of 3 gathered

• Wrench to turn off utilities1
• Whistle3
• Fire extinguisher1

Clothing and shelter0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• Warm blanket or sleeping bag3
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes3 sets

Documents and cash0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• Copies of IDs, insurance, deeds and medical records1 set
• Cash in small bills

For the kids0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Card in each child’s pocket with your name and phone1

For your local hazards0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• Waterproof bags for documents and phones3
• Rain gear and rubber boots3 sets

Pets0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Vet records, vaccination proof, photo with each pet1 set

Go-bags0 / 50 of 5 gathered

• Small first aid kit2
• Copies of IDs and emergency contact card3 sets
• Change of clothes, socks and rain poncho3 sets
• Cash and a phone charging cable1
• Masks and hand sanitizer3 setsCounted for ages 3 and up. Children under 2 should never wear a mask.

Food0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• Paper plates, cups and utensils1 pack
• Camp stove with extra fuel1Outdoor use only.

Light, power and news0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Car phone charger1

Tools and safety0 / 60 of 6 gathered

• Duct tape1
• Plastic sheeting1
• Waterproof matches1
• Multi-tool1
• Work gloves1
• Paper maps1

Clothing and shelter0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Hand warmers21

Documents and cash0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Recent photos of each family member1 set

For the kids0 / 20 of 2 gathered

• Comfort items: a favorite toy, blanket or book1
• Games, cards and activity books1 set

For your local hazards0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Heavy tarp and rope1

Pets0 / 10 of 1 gathered

• Food and water bowls1 set