Home Emergency Kit

Your home emergency kit should contain essential food, water and supplies to live on for at least three days. Keep your emergency kit in a designated location in your home and in an easy-to-carry container in case you need to evacuate (you should also keep a smaller emergency kit in your car). Make sure that all family members know where the emergency kit is kept.

Below is a checklist of items that you could include in your emergency kit. As you prepare your kit, think about your family's particular needs and adapt this list as needed.

Home Emergency Kit Checklist

Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)

Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)

Battery-powered radio and extra batteries

First aid kit:

• Sterile adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
• Gauze pads (2- and 3-inch)
• Three-day supply of any prescription medications
• Triangular bandages
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Sterile roller bandages (2- and 3- inch)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Safety razor blade
• Safety pins (assorted sizes)
• Snake bite kit
• Cold pack
• Bar of soap
• Moist towelettes
• Non-breakable thermometer
• Antiseptic spray
• Latex gloves
• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Tongue blades and wooden applicator sticks
• Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
• Antacid
• Laxative
• Eye wash
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Emetic (to induce vomiting)
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Heavy socks (at least two pairs)
• Hats and gloves
• Extra clothing and blankets
• Rain gear
• Cash
• Tools and supplies:
• Case/nylon bag/fanny pack
• Mess kits or paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
• Small fire extinguisher
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Paper and pencil/pen
• Non-electric can opener
• Multi-purpose tool/utility knife
• Tent
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Pliers
• Compass
• Signal flare
• Whistle to signal for help
• Needles and thread
• Aluminum foil
• Water-proof matches
• Shut-off wrench for gas and water
• Work gloves
• Plastic storage containers
• Medicine dropper
• Cash or travelers checks and change
• Dust mask (for dust/debris)
• Toilet paper
• Battery powered fan
• Extra keys for car and house
• Light sticks
• Map of local and out of state area
• Nylon cord
• Portable generator, if possible
• Pre-paid phone card
• Scissors
• Spray paint
• Propane cooking stove
• Pot and pan for cooking
• Wet wipes
• Ziploc bags
• Hard hat
• Pry bar
• Personal hygiene items
• Feminine supplies
• Disinfectant
• Plastic garbage bags and ties
• Soap
• Household chlorine bleach
• Small shovel
• Plastic bucket with tight lid (indoor toilet)

Special Items

For Children:

• Baby formula/food
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Games/Activities
• Special toy for comfort
• Wet wipes
• Extra sets of clothing (check sizes every three months)
• Anti-rash ointment
• Emergency contact information in case you are separated during an emergency

For Adults:

• Any prescription drugs (heart, high blood pressure medication, insulin, etc.)
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eyeglasses
• Playing cards and books
• Important legal documents such as deeds, insurance polices and identification cards in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies
• Lip balm and sunscreen
• Personal hygiene items

For Pets:

• 3-day supply of food and water
• Medications and medical records
• Pet first aid kit
• Extra leash and collar
• Dishes/bowls
• Cat litter/pan
• Copies of licenses
• Name and phone number of veterinarian
• Microchip or tattoo number
• Toys
• Treats
• Bedding
• Paper towels and clean-up bags