Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Government agencies will respond to community disasters, but residents may be forced to be self-sufficient for hours or even days after disaster strikes. As a general rule, you should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days. Assembling supplies in an emergency preparedness kit will help! Consider  storing a kit at home, at work, and even in your vehicle, so that you are prepared wherever you are.

What Do You Need in an Emergency Preparedness Kit?

• Non-perishable food items
• Water– at least one gallon per person per day
• Manual can opener
• First aid supplies
• Copies of important documents (birth certificates, licenses and insurance policies.)  Be sure to also include recent photos of family members, pets and household items of value.  Consider keeping a copy of these documents on a password-protected USB drive.
• Any special items for family members, such as infant formula, eyeglasses and medications
• Change of clothing
• Sleeping bag or blanket
• Battery powered radio
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Whistle
• Waterproof matches
• Comfort items (toys, books, puzzles, and games)
• Extra house keys and car keys
• List of contact names and phone numbers
• Food, water and supplies for pets

Additional Items to Consider:

Hygiene and Sanitation Items

• Bar soap and liquid detergent shampoo
• Baby wipes and waterless shampoo
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Feminine hygiene products
• Infant supplies
• Toilet paper
• Cleaning supplies
• Household bleach with no additives, and an eyedropper for purifying drinking water
• Large trash cans

Tools

• Crescent wrench for turning off gas
• Screwdriver, pliers and hammer
• Plastic tape and sheeting
• Knife or razor blades

For more information about assembling an emergency preparedness kit visit: www.ready.gov/build-a-kit