Emergency Preparedness Kit

Your Very Personal Preparedness Inventory 

Keeping a stocked emergency preparedness kit in your home and/or vehicle is a great way to keep you and your family prepared in case of an emergency.  Below you will find a list of common and inexpensive items to add to your emergency preparedness kit.  You should also consider the specific needs of you and your family during your planning.  Do you have a pet, elderly family member or children that will be in your care during an emergency?  Do you live in a city or more rural area? All of these things can affect what you might think is important to include in your emergency preparedness kit.

Experts also recommend that you have enough food and water to sustain your family for at least 72 hours following a disaster.

Emergency preparedness kit items can be stored in a duffle, backpack, or tote for easy transportation and access.

The following is a list of potential emergency preparedness kit items:

• Water – one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation (3 day supply)
• Food – 3 day supply of nonperishable food
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Medications
• Whistle
• Dust mask
• Wrench, pliers or utility tool to turn off utilities
• Can opener
• Cellphone and portable external battery
• Battery powered radio and NOAA weather radio
• Multi-tool or pocket knife
• Family and emergency contact information
• Cash
• Emergency Blanket

The list above is not intended to be all inclusive of everything an individual may need an emergency kit and serves as an example. 

Sources:

www.ready.gov (link)

www.redcross.org (link)