Every household needs an easy-to-carry bundle of supplies like water, food and medications to last at least three days. In addition to one in your home, you may want to keep an emergency kit in your car, because you never know when disaster might strike.
A basic emergency kit should include these items:
Water: Include at least three gallons per person, to last a total of three days.
Food: Bring enough non-perishable items for three days.
First aid kit: First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes, you may purchase or build you own kit.
Medications: Stock a seven-day supply of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Important documents: Store deeds, leases, insurance policies, passports, medical information and other papers in a fireproof, waterproof container. You may also want to store electronic copies on an external drive or website.
Contact numbers: Know how to reach your support network, including family members, neighbors, doctors and insurance agents.
Cash: ATMs may be down during power outages.
Local maps: The internet and global positioning system (GPS) may not be available.
Flashlight: Don’t forget batteries!
Radio: Get one that is powered with batteries or a hand-crank.
Matches: Keep them in a waterproof container.
Cell phone: Bring your charger, and consider external batteries.
FEMA - Build a Kit
FEMA - Additional items to add for Children
FEMA - Additional items to add for Senior Citizens