Stock an Emergency Preparedness Kit for Yourself and Those You Care About

One way to be be prepared for natural and man-made disasters is to have an emergency preparedness kit or area in your home. The checklists listed here give you ideas for what to pack in your kit. This information and more is also included in The Prepared Lifestyle.

If these lists seem daunting, remember: Just begin! Then you can keep building your preparedness supplies and plans.

7-Day Supply of Non-Perishable Food

  • Ready-to-eat canned items.
  • Protein and fruit bars.
  • Dry cereal and granola.
  • Peanut butter and jelly.
  • Dried fruit and nuts.
  • Crackers.
  • Canned or boxed juices.
  • Canned or jarred baby food/formula.
  • Canned or boxed milk or soy products.
  • Powdered milk.
  • Comfort foods such as cookies.
  • Fluids with electrolytes.
  • Sports drinks.
  • Instant coffee and tea.
  • Other boxed foods needing only water or milk.
  • Staples: Sugar, honey, salt, and flour.
  • Other (for restricted or special diets).
  • Pet food and litter.

During weekly shopping trips, pick up one or two items on this list. Annually rotate nonperishable foods and check documents to ensure they are up-to-date.

Emergency Supplies

  • 3-day supply of water (1 gallon per person, per day).
  • Fever medicines (acetaminophen or ibuprofen). No aspirin for children because of Reye’s syndrome.
  • 14-day supply of prescription medications.
  • 10-day supply of antiviral prescription medication.
  • Vitamins.
  • Thermometer and extra batteries for digital ones.
  • Anti-diarrheal medication.
  • Medicine dropper.
  • Cough suppressants.
  • Surgical or HEPA mask (N95 and N100 respirators).
  • Latex or non-latex gloves.
  • Cleaning agents, soap, and hand soap.
  • Liquid hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol-based).
  • Household liquid chlorine bleach. (No scented, color safe, or added cleaner.)
  • Other disinfectants.
  • Paper tissues.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Feminine and other hygiene products.
  • Toothpaste and denture solution.
  • Extra shaving supplies.
  • Manual can opener.
  • Extra durable medical equipment supplies.
  • Plastic bags.
  • Flashlight with extra batteries (No candles).
  • Portable radio with extra batteries or crank radio.
  • Matches in waterproof container.
  • Whistle (to attract emergency personnel).
  • Pack of cards/small entertainment options.
  • Duct tape.
  • Cash and coins (ATMs may not be accessible).
  • Sturdy shoes.

Important Documents

Seal copies of your important documents in freezer bags and place them in waterproof containers. These include:

  • Identification and Social Security cards (to resume benefits).
  • Family and friends' contact information.
  • Lists of medications.
  • Doctors' and pharmacists' contact information.
  • Bank account numbers.
  • Serial numbers/style for mobility and medical devices.
  • Health cards and medical alerts.
  • Birth certificate, immigration documents or guardianship decrees.
  • Medicaid/Medicare ID and food stamp ID.
  • Insurance information (keep up-to-date.)
  • Eyeglasses and denture information.
  • See Service Animal/Pet Preparedness Checklist.

Supplies for People with Disabilities

This checklist is relatively new and ongoing endeavors are being made to adequately identify needs. E-mail or write us for your proven stockpile supplies if they are not listed below.

Power Supplies

  • For those who depend on power for equipment or refrigeration, have a back-up power supply (generator, power inverters, charged batteries, adapter plug for vehicle lighter).
  • For devices that use batteries, stock extra batteries. 

Hearing

  • Notebook and pen.
  • Battery-operated lantern (for lip reading and sign language).
  • Visual or sensory alerts.
  • Vibrating/strobe alarm clock.
  • Extra pager, TTY batteries, hearing aid, or implant batteries.
  • Pager/communication devices.
  • Portable, battery-powered television.
  • Other   

Mobility

  • Manual chair for electric wheelchair users.
  • Pair of heavy-duty gloves for wheeling over debris.
  • Shower chair and toilet riser.
  • Patch kit for flat tires and extra inner tubes.
  • Extra charged battery for a power wheelchair or scooter. (Ask vendor how to charge in emergency situations.)
  • Assistive devices for eating.
  • Backpack with smaller supplies on this list (to grab and attach to chair).
  • Other 

Sight

  • Extra pair of glasses.
  • Extra supply of contact lenses and lens solution.
  • Extra cane tips or telescoping cane.
  • Portable radio with batteries.
  • Other