Build a disaster kit
Every household should have a disaster kit with the items you would need in an emergency. After a disaster, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for 3-5 days.
This page covers how to build a household disaster kit. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find. Any one of them could save your life.
Basic disaster supply kit
Every household disaster kit should include:
- water one gallon per person per day for at least five days, for drinking and sanitation
- food at least a five-day supply of non-perishable food
- battery-powered or hand crank radio
- flashlights
- 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
- local maps
- cash
- cloth face coverings for everyone ages 2 and above, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces for COVID-19
Selecting food for your kit
Choose shelf-stable foods that you can eat without preparation or cooking.
Good items for your kit include:
- ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- canned juices and milk
- canned or powdered soup (store extra water for powdered soup)
- granola bars, nuts, trail mix
- peanut butter
- cereal
- crackers
- instant coffee and tea bags (store extra water)
- comfort/stress foods: cookies, hard candy, chips, other snacks
- staples like salt, pepper, hot sauce, sugar
Consider your household's specific needs
Every household has unique needs. Consider what additional items you or your family might need. Include enough of those items in your kit to last for five days
Think about whether you'll need items like:
- prescription medications
- infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- pet food and extra water for your pet
- prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Additional supplies to include
Once you have a basic kit assembled, you can continue to build on it as you are able. Each item you add will better prepare you for a disaster.
Consider adding:
- cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- complete change of clothing for each person in the household
- books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- paper, pens and pencils
- non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records - save these electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Storing and maintaining your kit
Put all your supplies in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. Store individual items in airtight plastic bags.
Store your kit in a cool, dry place.
Check on your kit every six months. Replace expired items. Re-think your family's needs and add any new items you might require such as medications, pet supplies, or age-appropriate children's items.
Where to keep disaster kits
Creating a disaster kit for your home is the first step. Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency happens, it's a good idea to keep disaster kits at work and in your car.
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