Emergency Supply Kit

A disaster Supply kit is a collection of basic items for your household during and after an emergency situation. 

Try to assemble the kit well in advance of an emergency. This will give you time to review the items and plan for what you and your family will really need. Building the kit early also helps avoid problems if trying to shop for items that may be in demand in the immediate period just before or just after an event has occurred. 

Click through the tabs below to learn about what items you will need for your kit. Remember, plan for each member of your family and plan for a minimum of 3 days.

Click on the Emergency Supply Checklist to open a printable version to help you build your kit. 

Emergency Supply Checklist

Emergency Kit

Build Your Kit

  1. Basic Items
  2. Additional Items
  3. First Aid Kit
  4. Unique Needs
  • 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 and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • 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, inverter or solar charger

Maintaining Your Kit


Now that you have built you kit you want to make sure it stays ready and in good condition. Here are a few tips:
  • Store in a cool, dry place
  • Store in a tightly closed plastic or metal container
  • Check every six months 
  • Remove canned food replace with new
  • Keep the boxes a manageable size, and easy to carry. 
Learn more about Emergency Kit Planning, Food Preparedness, Water Needs, and Water Safety at Ready.gov: Build a Kit

Car Safety


You should also plan for safety should an emergency occur while you are driving. Vehicle maintenance and safety are key to survival during and after an event. Remember, only drive during an emergency situation if you have to. Here are some additional tips:

  • Keep your gas tank full
  • Do not drive through a flooded area - Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control and possibly stall. A foot of water will float many cars.
  • Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded - Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
  • If a power line falls on your car you are at risk of electrical shock, stay inside until a trained person removes the wire.
  • Check Antifreeze levels
  • Check Battery and ignition system 
  • Check Brakes
  • Check Exhaust system 
  • Check Fuel and air filters 
  • Heater and defroster - ensure they work properly
  • Lights and flashing hazard lights
  • Oil - check for level and weight.
  • Ensure Thermostat works properly
  • Windshield wiper equipment 

Make an Emergency Kit for you Car


Keep these items in a kit for you car should become stranded:

  • Jumper cables: might want to include flares or reflective triangle
  • Flashlights: with extra batteries
  • First Aid Kit
  • Food: non-perishable food such as canned food, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
  • Manual can opener
  • Water: at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least 3 days
  • Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
  • Pet supplies: food and water  
  • Radio: battery or hand cranked
  • Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction
  • Shovel
  • Ice scraper
  • Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Charged Cell Phone: and car charger or solar charger