A basic emergency kit takes an afternoon to put together and covers you for most disasters. Officials suggest having enough to get through at least three days on your own, because help can take that long to arrive. For hurricanes and winter storms, plan for longer.
The basic kit
- Water: one gallon per person per day, for at least three days. Add more for pets.
- Food: a three-day supply that does not need cooking, plus a manual can opener.
- Light and power: flashlights, spare batteries and charged power banks for phones.
- Radio: battery or hand-crank, ideally a weather radio that receives NOAA alerts.
- First aid kit and at least a week of prescription medicines.
- Copies of documents: IDs, insurance policies, deeds or leases, and medical information, in a waterproof bag or saved securely online.
- Cash in small bills, since card machines and ATMs may not work.
- Basic tools: a multi-tool, wrench to turn off utilities, duct tape and plastic sheeting.
- Hygiene supplies: wipes, garbage bags and sanitizer.
- Extras for your household: baby supplies, pet food and leashes, glasses, hearing aid batteries.
The go-bag
Keep a smaller bag ready in case you need to leave quickly. Pack water and snacks, medicines, phone charger, copies of documents, a change of clothes, cash and a flashlight. Keep a pair of sturdy shoes nearby.
Extras by hazard
Floods and hurricanes
- Waterproof containers for documents and electronics
- Rubber boots and gloves for cleanup
- Know your evacuation zone and route. Look it up on your county emergency website.
Wildfires
- N95 masks for smoke
- A plan to leave early, with two routes out
- Keep the car’s gas tank at least half full during fire season
Tornadoes
- Helmets for each person, kept in your shelter spot
- Shoes and a flashlight in the shelter
Winter storms and cold waves
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Rock salt or sand, and a snow shovel
- A safe backup heat source. Never use a generator, grill or camp stove indoors.
Heat waves
- A plan for where to go if the power fails, such as a cooling center
- Extra water and oral rehydration salts
Keep it current
Check your kit twice a year, for example when the clocks change. Replace expired food, water, medicines and batteries. Update documents and contact lists.
Questions people ask
How much water should I store? At least one gallon per person per day for three days. In hot climates, or for nursing mothers and people who are ill, store more.
Do I need a generator? It helps during long outages, but it must run outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows and doors, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Where should I keep my kit? Somewhere easy to reach, like a hall closet. Many people keep a smaller kit in the car.
Find out which hazards matter most where you live: search your county on the home page.