Emergency Supply Kit

After an emergency or disaster, families may need to manage on their own for several days before normal services are restored. Being prepared means having enough essential supplies — including food, water, medications, and other necessities — to support yourself and your family during that time.

An emergency supply kit is a collection of important items that can help protect health, safety, and well-being during emergencies such as floods, storms, fires, power outages, or other disasters. Preparing a kit in advance can reduce stress, improve safety, and help families respond more effectively during unexpected situations.

Make sure your emergency kit includes the essential items listed below. In addition to the basic supplies, consider the specific needs of your household, including infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and pets.

Basic Emergency Supply Kit

To keep supplies organized and protected, store items in airtight plastic bags and place the entire kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic storage bins, backpacks, or duffel bags.

A basic emergency kit should include:

• Drinking water and sanitation supplies (approximately one gallon per person per day for several days)
• A supply of non-perishable food sufficient for several days
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust masks to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape for temporary sheltering
• Personal sanitation supplies such as moist wipes, garbage bags, and plastic ties
• Basic tools such as a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities if necessary
• Manual can opener
• Local maps and emergency contact information
• Mobile phone chargers and backup power banks

Additional Emergency Supplies

Every family has different needs. Consider adding the following items based on your household requirements:

• Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes
• Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
• Common non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, antacids, or anti-diarrheal medications
• Prescription eyeglasses, hearing aids, or contact lens supplies
• Infant supplies including formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper cream
• Pet food, water, and pet care items
• Cash and important financial documents
• Copies of important documents such as identification cards, insurance policies, and medical records stored in waterproof containers or electronic formats
• Sleeping bags, blankets, and weather-appropriate clothing
• Comfortable and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Waterproof matches or lighter
• Personal hygiene items
• Disposable cups, plates, utensils, and paper towels
• Paper, pens, and notebooks
• Books, games, or activities for children to support emotional comfort during emergencies

Maintaining Your Emergency Kit

An emergency kit should be reviewed regularly to ensure supplies remain safe and usable when needed.

Recommended maintenance actions include:

• Store food in cool, dry locations
• Keep supplies in tightly sealed containers
• Replace expired food, water, batteries, and medications regularly
• Check and update the kit at least once every year
• Adjust supplies as family needs change over time

Where to Store Emergency Kits

Because emergencies can happen anywhere, it is recommended to prepare emergency supplies for multiple locations.

Key Message

Being prepared before an emergency happens can help protect lives, reduce panic, and improve recovery. A well-prepared emergency kit supports the safety and resilience of individuals, families, and communities.

✅ Emergency Kit Checklist

This checklist can be used to ensure that the family’s emergency kit is ready in case of emergencies and disasters.