An emergency kit (also called a go-bag, bug-out bag, or disaster supply kit) contains essential supplies to sustain your household for at least 72 hours during a disaster or evacuation. FEMA and the American Red Cross recommend every household maintain both a portable evacuation kit and a two-week supply of essentials at home.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Calculate your household needs — Count every person (including children and elderly) and pets. Plan for at least 3 days of supplies for evacuation and 2 weeks for sheltering at home.
- Gather water supplies — Store one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. For a family of four, that is 12 gallons for a 3-day kit. Include water purification tablets or a portable f...
- Stock non-perishable food — Include canned goods (with a manual can opener), energy bars, dried fruit, peanut butter, crackers, and ready-to-eat meals. Choose foods your family will actually eat. C...
- Assemble a first aid kit — Include adhesive bandages, gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, tweezers, scissors, gloves, and any prescription medications (rotat...
- Pack lighting and communication tools — Battery-powered or hand-crank flashlight, NOAA weather radio, extra batteries, and a portable phone charger or solar charger.
- Include sanitation and hygiene items — Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, hand sanitizer, soap, toothbrush/paste, feminine supplies, and toilet paper.
- Prepare clothing and bedding — One complete change of clothing per person, sturdy shoes, rain gear, warm layers, emergency blankets (Mylar), and sleeping bags if space allows.
- Gather important documents — Copies of IDs, insurance policies, bank account records, medical records, and emergency contact list in a waterproof container. Store digital copies in the cloud.
- Add tools and safety items — Multi-tool or wrench (to turn off utilities), duct tape, plastic sheeting, matches in a waterproof container, whistle (to signal for help), dust masks, and local maps.
- Include cash — Keep small bills and coins; ATMs and card readers may not work during power outages.
Common Mistakes
- Not rotating supplies
- Packing too much
- Forgetting medications
- No plan for where the kit is
- One kit for the whole family
Pro Tips
- Pre-made emergency kits are available from the Red Cross, Amazon, and outdoor...
- Store a smaller emergency kit in your car with water, snacks, first aid suppl...
- Include comfort items for children (small toy, coloring book) and copies of i...
- Vacuum-seal clothing and documents to save space and protect from water
- Use the Ready.gov kit builder tool for a personalized checklist based on your...