Create an emergency kit
Create an emergency kit that will keep you and your family safe and comfortable during a major power outage or natural disaster – and have it ready before disaster strikes. The following checklist will get you started. Make sure to include enough supplies to last at least three days for you, your family - and pets too.
Emergency kit checklist
- Water for seven to 10 days (1 gallon per person, per day)
- Food for seven to 10 days (non-perishable)
- Cash (ATMs may not be working; small bills are best)
- Flashlights
- Radio (battery-powered or hand-crank)
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Sturdy shoes, gloves
- Shelter items (tent, tarp, rope)
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air (cotton t-shirts can work)
- Wrench to turn off utilities, such as natural gas or water
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation
- Manual can opener
- Multipurpose (A-B-C) fire extinguisher
- Unique family needs (supplies for infants, pets; prescription and over-the-counter medications; emergency phone numbers, important documents)
Preparing multiple kits, for home, work and your vehicle, is a good idea.
Remember: When preparing for a major storm, earthquake or flood, a preparedness kit is most effective when you also have an emergency plan.
More kit ideas
