Emergency kit checklist

When facing an emergency, whether it be a natural disaster, a power outage, or any unexpected event, being prepared is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones. An emergency kit, sometimes referred to as a go-bag or a survival kit, is a collection of essential items that can help sustain you during these scenarios. Below you’ll find a comprehensive checklist of items to include in your emergency kit.

Basic Supplies:

• Water: Aim for at least one gallon per person per day, for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
• Food: A three-day supply of non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, protein bars or rations, ready-to-eat meals, dried fruits, and nuts.
• Manual can opener: If your food supply includes canned goods, this is a must-have.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio: To receive updates from the National Weather Service and other emergency broadcasting systems. Check out Private network building services for preppers if you plan to meet up with others.
• Flashlight: With extra batteries, to navigate in the dark.
• First aid kit: Stock with bandages, antiseptics, a thermometer, compresses, non-latex gloves, adhesive tape, tweezers, and pain relievers.
• Extra batteries: of various sizes, compatible with your devices.
• Whistle: To signal for help.
• Dust mask: To help filter contaminated air.
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape: To shelter in place.
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties: For personal sanitation.
• Wrench or pliers: To turn off utilities.
• Local maps: For navigating without GPS or data services.

Personal Items:

• Prescription medications: A week’s supply and copies of your prescriptions.
• Glasses and contact lens solution: If applicable.
• Infant formula, bottles, and diapers: If you have a baby.
• Pet food and extra water: For your pets.
• Cash or traveler’s checks: In case ATMs are down and merchants don’t accept cards.
• Important family documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, bank account records, etc., in a waterproof, portable container. (Read here to see more about document protection)
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket: Consider looking for a bivy if you want something more portable.
• Complete change of clothing: Include a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional layers if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Personal Hygiene and Sanitation:

• Soap and hand sanitizer: To maintain hygiene when water is scarce.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste: Basic oral hygiene is crucial.
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items: Tailor to your family’s needs.
• Toilet paper: You can never have too much.

Additional Items:

• Chlorine bleach and a medicine dropper: To disinfect water (only if directed to do so by appropriate authorities).
• Fire extinguisher: Small and portable for emergencies.
• Matches: In a waterproof container.
• Paper, pencil, and books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children: To pass time and ease stress.
• Multi-tool or a basic tool kit: For various uses.
• Solar charger or backup battery: For smartphones and other small electronics.

Special Considerations:

• Medical equipment: If you or a family member requires a specific medical device (like a CPAP machine or a blood glucose monitor), include backup power options.
• Personalized needs: Think about what unique needs your family might have. If you have elderly individuals, people with disabilities, or infants at home, consider what special items they might require.

Update your kit every six months to ensure all food, water, and medications are within their expiration dates. Check batteries and technology to ensure they’re in working order, and adjust clothing in the kit for seasonal changes.

Remember that the best place for your emergency kit is in an accessible location which is known to all family members. If you have a large household or a multi-story home, consider smaller kits for different areas or floors.

Being prepared with a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference in an unexpected situation. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Stay safe and prepared!