Building an Emergency Kit

Because sometimes it's not just about the beer (even though a six-pack or two of canned beer might just come in handy) ...

FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Homeland Security) recommends that all Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days in case of an emergency. Stay safe.

Here is FEMA's checklist for Building an Emergency Kit:

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

• Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
  To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:
  
  • Water
    One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
  • Food
    At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
  • Flashlight.
  • First aid kit.
  • Extra batteries.
  • Whistle to signal for help.
  • Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
  • Manual can opener for food.
  • Local maps.
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
  • Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF).
  
  
• Additional Emergency Supplies
  Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
  
  • Prescription medications.
  • Non-prescription medications
    Such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids, or laxatives.
  • Glasses and contact lens solution.
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream.
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet.
  • Cash or traveler's checks.
  • Important family documents
    Such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
  • Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water.
  • Fire extinguisher.
  • Matches in a waterproof container.
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils.
  • Paper and pencil.
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
  
  
• Maintaining Your Kit
  After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
  
  • Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
  • Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
  • Replace expired items as needed.
  • Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
  
  
• Kit Storage Locations
  Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
  
  • Home
    Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
  • Work
    Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
  • Vehicle
    In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
    

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• FEMA's webpage with the checklists: www.ready.gov/build-a-kit. As printable pdfs: here.
• I have posted both the basic and supplemental checklists as jpgs, on Flickr.
  
  
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