Essentials
Start out thinking about the basics of survival – fresh water, food, safety, warmth, sanitation
and clean air.
For Everyone
- Water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
- Food that does not need electricity for storage or preparation
- Manual can opener (if kit contains canned food)
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a commercial radio or hand crank radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- First aid kit and emergency medical reference manual
- Prescription medications and eyewear
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, moist towelettes, garbage bags and ties
- Complete change of clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and sturdy shoes
For Baby
- Formula
- Bottled water to mix with formula and to wash bottles
- Bottles
- Blankets (both emergency blankets and receiving blankets)
- Diapers – keep the diaper size current
- Disposable wipes
- Copy of a current shot record
- Bath towels and wash cloths
- Burp cloths, bibs
- Cotton swabs
- Medications
- Diaper rash ointment
- Binkies and toys
- Cotton swabs
- Medications
- Diaper rash ointment
For Pets
- Identification tags on collars
- Medications, immunization records
- Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener
- Sturdy leashes or carriers to transport pets safely (Carriers should be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down)
- Towels or blankets
- Current photos of you with your pets
- Feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian
- Pet beds and toys
Additional Items
- Cash in small denominations or traveler's checks and change
- Copies of important family documents, such as insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach it can be used to disinfect)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) and plastic sheeting/duct tape (to shelter where you are)
- Local maps
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
- Paper and pencil
- Fire Extinguisher
- Whistle to signal for help
Water
You can purchase commercially bottled water. Make sure you check the expiration date.
If You are Preparing Your Own Containers of Water:
Purchased food-grade containers
It’s best to purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores. Before filling with
water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.
Follow directions below for filling the containers with water.
Your own containers
Choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit
juice in them.
Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial
growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass
containers, because they can break and are heavy.
Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.
Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to a quart of water.
Swish the sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly
rinse out the sanitizing solution with clean water.
Filling Water Containers
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility
with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the water to keep it clean.
If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine:
- Add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach to the water.
- Tightly close the container using the original cap.
- Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger.
- Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
- Replace the water every six months if not using commercially bottled water.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or
cooking and little or no water.
If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. If you use a barbecue grill for cooking, do not use it indoors.
Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free crackers,
whole grain cereals, and canned foods with high liquid content.
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
- Staples--sugar, salt, pepper
- High energy foods--peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
- Vitamins
- Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons with special dietary needs
- Comfort/stress foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags
First Aid
Many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor
injuries can make a difference in an emergency.
Consider taking a first aid class, through the American Red Cross. Also, put together a first aid kit or purchase
a kit with the following items:
Things you should have:
- Two pairs of Latex, or other sterile gloves (if you are allergic to Latex).
- Sterile dressings to stop bleeding.
- Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect.
- Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
- Burn ointment to prevent infection.
- Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes.
- Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant.
- Thermometer
You may also want to include:
- Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers.
You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies.
Things it may be good to have:
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Non-prescription drugs:
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for upset stomach)
- Laxative
- Cold medications
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to learn more about first aid training.
Bedding & Clothing
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Blankets or sleeping bags for each person
- Jacket or coat
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Hat, gloves and scarf
- Rain gear
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Emergency Supply
