Step 3: Make a Kit

Collect the Emergency Kit Top 10
Place these critical items in a waterproof backpack, duffle bag, or sealed plastic container for easy transport. Keep a smaller kit in your car.
  • One gallon of water per person per day for 3 days
  • Non-perishable food (don't forget the manual can opener and plastic utensils)
  • Hygiene items like soap, toilet paper, a toothbrush, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, plastic garbage bags
  • Week's worth of prescription medications (if needed)
  • One change of clothes and footwear per person and a blanket or sleeping bag
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio with extra batteries and NOAA alert radio
  • Flashlight with extra batteries. First aid basics like antiseptic, bandages, gloves, non-prescription medicine, and an extra pair of glasses
  • Small tool kit with a wrench and pliers to turn off utilities
  • Dust mask, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to create a barrier between yourself and any contamination in the air
Optional Extra Items for Your Kit
Suggestions include:
  • Local Maps
  • Cash (Small Denominations)
  • Copies of Important Documents
  • Disabled Members of Household
  • Elderly
  • Landline Telephone (Not Cordless)
  • Special Items for Pets and Infant
Delegate
Ask one person in your family to be responsible for replacing water every 3 months and food every 6 months. Batteries should also be replaced on a regular basis.