10 Essentials Emergency Kit

Emergency kits should contain:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for both drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of nonperishable food) and a manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio for weather and evacuation information
• Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Dust masks, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to help filter contaminated air
• Soap, hand sanitizer, personal hygiene, and sanitation supplies
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) and multitool for general use
• Sleeping bags or warm blankets
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Local maps
• Change of clothing and sturdy shoes
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and backup hearing aid batteries
• Over-the-counter and prescription medications
• Essential health information/important family documents

The most essential part of your kit is several days’ supply of food and water for you, your family, and your pets.

Here are 10 other items that you should include in your kit:

1. Flashlight.
   Extra batteries for the flashlight are also a good idea. If your power is out and you have no way to charge your phone, you might need to rely on a flashlight to get around at night.
2. Whistle.
   A whistle can help you signal for help if you are stranded and need search and rescue to hear you.
3. Dust Mask
   Depending on the emergency, you may need a mask to help protect you against contaminated air.
4. Local Maps.
   If you need to evacuate but have no power or access to the internet, you may need to rely on a paper map to find your way to safety.
5. Manual Can Opener.
   Your emergency kit is probably made up of canned food, which lasts for a long time. If you don’t have power, you’ll need a way to open these cans.
6. Battery-powered or Hand Cranked Radio.
   A radio will help you receive updates on the disaster and any known safety risks.
7. Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
   Disasters can be stressful. If you have fun games or activities that your children can do when the power is out, this can help them cope with the stress.
8. First Aid Kit.
   Conditions during and after a disaster can vary dramatically. You may need to provide immediate care to an injured family member.
9. Supplies for your pet.
   Your pet is a member of your family. You will want to have enough of their supplies to several days, as well as a favorite toy to comfort them.
10. Wrench or pliers.
    These tools can come in handy if you need to turn off utilities. Visit ready.gov/safety-skills to discover more valuable skills that can be useful in emergency situations.