Why keep an emergency kit?
By gathering supplies in an all-hazards supply kit, you will be better prepared to care for your family in case of emergency.
Ideally, your kit will contain what you need to survive for three days in case of evacuation, and a two-week supply to shelter-in-place at home.
What should I keep in my emergency kit?
It depends on the needs of your family. You may want to include:
- Water — one gallon per person, per day
- Food— non-perishable, easy to prepare items
- Can opener
- Flashlight
- Battery powered or hand crank radio
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Medications, vitamins
- Personal hygiene – toilet paper, hand sanitizer, etc.
- Copies of personal documents (insurance policies, proof of address etc.)
- Cell phone charger
- Extra cash
- Emergency blanket, extra clothes
- Multi-tool
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape for sealing windows and doors
- Matches
- Pet supplies
- Games and comfort items for children
- Diapers and wipes
- Formula for babies
- Cultural and spiritual supplies
- Extra set of car and house keys
- Surgical mask
- N95 or N100 mask
- Spare eyeglasses
- Rain poncho
Your emergency kit should be personalized to meet your needs. Think about what you would need to shelter-in-place for two weeks. Include those things!