Making an emergency kit is an important part of preparing for an emergency. Make sure your emergency kit addresses your specific needs. Consider the items you use every day when deciding what to add to your kit.
Basic Kit Items
- Water, two gallons 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 a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone and chargers
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Family emergency contact information
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
You may also want to add personal hygiene and toiletry items, sunscreen, and insect repellent to your kit.
Special Needs Items
As you put your kit together, be sure to take in the "special needs" of family members. These individuals include infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities or serious illnesses.
- For Baby:
- Formula (Preferably pre-prepared)
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Baby food
- Medications
- Moist towelettes/baby wipes
- Diaper rash ointments
- For Adults:
- Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medications, insulin and other prescription drugs.
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Extra eyeglasses
- Walking canes, walkers, etc.
- Oxygen tank