Emergency Kits

When you have a household or business emergency plan, make sure you have the tools and supplies needed for your plan on hand. This is your emergency kit.

Emergency kits don't have to cost much. You can use older, used or extra items around your house:

  • Clothes with holes in them are enough to keep you warm and clean in a disaster.
  • Old prescription glasses may not keep you at 20/20 now, but they are better than having no glasses at all.
  • It's also great to pick up kit items at thrift stores, garage sales and buy one/get one sales at your grocery store.

A little bit at a time over a few weeks and you'll have a full emergency kit for your household at little cost.

Making a Go-Bag

A go bag is a portable collection of essentials you can grab in minutes when you need to leave home quickly. Keep it in an easy-to-access location near an exit.

Essentials:

  • Water bottles and energy bars
  • 3-7 day supply of medications
  • Copies of important documents (insurance, ID, medical records) in waterproof bag
  • Cash in small bills
  • Phone charger and portable battery
  • Flashlight
  • First aid supplies
  • Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
  • Toiletries and hygiene items
  • Paper map with evacuation routes marked
  • Emergency contact list
  • Special needs: baby supplies, pet food, glasses

Quick tips: Use a backpack. Keep it by the door. Check it twice a year.

Making a Disaster Kit

A disaster kit contains more extensive supplies to sustain your household for at least 72 hours (ideally up to two weeks) if you need to stay home without power, water, or access to stores.

The Basics:

Water & Food

  • 1 gallon of water per person, per day
  • Non-perishable foods: canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit
  • Manual can opener

Power & Communication

  • Battery or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio preferred)
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • Portable chargers

Health & Hygiene

  • First aid kit
  • 30-day medication supply
  • Soap, sanitizer, disinfecting wipes
  • Toilet paper and trash bags
  • Feminine products

Tools & Safety

  • Wrench for shutting off utilities
  • Duct tape, scissors, plastic sheeting
  • Whistle
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Bleach for water purification

Other Necessities

  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Rain gear and extra clothing
  • Waterproof container with copies of documents
  • Items for babies, pets, or family members with special needs

Storage: Keep everything in waterproof bins in an accessible spot. Make sure everyone knows where.

Keep It Current

Every 6 months: Replace food, water, and expiring medications. Test batteries. Update documents.

Yearly: Review household needs. Replace worn items.

After life changes: New baby? New prescription? New pet? Update your kits.

Make It Yours

Add what your household specifically needs—whether that's baby formula, pet medications, entertainment for kids, or backup batteries for medical devices.

Practice: Run evacuation drills. Show everyone where supplies are. Test your equipment.

Preparation means peace of mind. Build your kits today.

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