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Emergency kit checklist: what to pack and store

An emergency kit holds what your household needs if the power, water, or roads fail. This page gives you a basic checklist, so you can build a kit one item at a time and keep a go bag ready for leaving fast.

If you only do three things

  1. Store water: 4 liters (1 gallon) per person per day, for at least three days, and more if you can.
  2. Pack a flashlight, a battery or hand crank radio, and spare batteries.
  3. Put copies of important documents and your medications in a bag you can grab.

Two kinds of kit

A home kit stays in one place and helps you stay at home for several days. A go bag is a smaller bag you can carry if you must leave. Many people keep both, and it helps to keep a small kit in the car too.

Official agencies such as Ready.gov and the Red Cross suggest at least three days of supplies. Some say up to two weeks for a home kit. Check with your local emergency office, and plan for longer if you live far from help.

Basic kit checklist

Tap each box as you add the item.

Water and food

  • Water: 4 liters (1 gallon) per person per day, for drinking and basic hygiene, for several days
  • Extra water for pets
  • Food that keeps without cooking or a fridge, such as canned food, dry cereal, and energy bars
  • A manual can opener
  • Food for babies and any special diets
  • Plates, cups, and utensils that you can throw away

Light, information, and power

  • Flashlights or headlamps, with extra batteries
  • A battery or hand crank radio
  • A whistle to signal for help
  • Phone chargers and a fully charged power bank
  • A car charger for your phone
  • Matches in a waterproof container

Health and hygiene

  • A first aid kit and a first aid guide
  • Prescription medications, enough for at least a week, and a list of what you take
  • Glasses or contact lenses and supplies
  • Soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and garbage bags
  • Masks, and N95 respirators if you live where wildfires or dust are common
  • Items for babies, such as diapers and formula, and for menstruation

Documents and money

  • Copies of identity documents, insurance papers, and medical information, kept in a waterproof bag
  • A list of phone numbers for family and your doctor, on paper
  • Cash in small bills, because card machines and ATMs may not work
  • A local map, because phones may lose signal

Other items

  • Warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and a blanket or sleeping bag for each person
  • A multi tool and duct tape
  • Work gloves
  • Items for children, such as books and small toys
  • Pet supplies, including food, leash, carrier, and vaccination records

... tip "Do not forget medications and chargers" People most often forget their regular medications and phone chargers. Put a reminder on your phone twice a year to refresh both.

Build your go bag

A go bag is a backpack or small bag you can pick up in a few seconds. Keep it near the door or in a closet you can reach quickly.

  • A change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each person
  • A small amount of water and snacks
  • Medications for several days, a first aid kit, and a flashlight
  • Phone, charger, and power bank
  • Copies of documents, and cash
  • Items for children, pets, and anyone with special needs

Keep the bag light enough for the weakest person to carry. Tell everyone in your household where it is.

Store and refresh your kit

Keep your kit in a cool, dry place that you can reach, even if part of your home is damaged. Check it twice a year. Replace water and food that is near its expiry date, update medications, and check batteries. Changing the kit when children grow or needs change keeps it useful.

... note "Water safety" Store water in clean, food grade containers. If you must use water from another source, check official guidance on how to make it safe, such as boiling it for the time that your health agency advises.