An emergency can happen at any time. Being ready means having emergency supplies on hand. These supplies should meet the needs of everyone at home, including pets. Consider having supplies at work or school, in your car – anywhere you spent lots of time.
You need emergency supplies for:
- Home (2 weeks)
- Work/School (1 day)
- Vehicle (1 day)
Home: 2 weeks of emergency supplies Essential
Essential
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day
- Food with a long shelf life and a can opener
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Fire extinguishers
- Water filter and disinfection supplies
Useful
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
- Emergency toilet (EmergencyToilet.org)
- Cash in small bills
- Tools to turn off utilities (wrench or pliers)
- Battery powered radio
- Extra batteries
Personal
- Prescription medicines
- Infant supplies
- Pet supplies
- Extra pair of glasses
- Copies of important documents
- Blankets and warm clothes
- Games
Work/School: 1 day of emergency supplies
If you spend a lot of time somewhere each day, such as work or school, you should have some essential emergency supplies in a “go bag.” Supplies to have in your bag include:
- Water – 1 gallon
- Food or high energy snacks
- First aid kit
- Prescription medicine
- Cash in small bills
- Cell phone charger or power bank
- Change of clothes
Emergency supplies: Tips from the pros
- Save money by buying supplies when they are on sale. Check out discount stores for great deals.
- Store your supplies in a cool dry place that is easy to access. In your car, try to keep supplies out of light.
- Tell everyone at home where emergency supplies are stored.
- Write expiration dates on food items. Check dates when the clocks change and replace items as needed.
- Keep three days of your supplies at home in the form of a “go kit.” Backpacks or cloth shopping bags with handles work great.
- Inspire family, friends, and neighbors to get prepared by talking about it and sharing this flyer.
Vehicle: 1 day of emergency supplies
Having emergency supplies in your vehicle can be a life saver. Store these supplies in a bag that is kept in an unlit/low light and dry place. Include items for the seasons.
Always include
- Water – small bottles that thaw easily
- Food or high energy snacks
- First aid kit
- Flashlight or head lamp
- Jumper cables
- Tools (for changing a tire or basic repairs)
- Cell phone charger
- Road flares or reflective hazard triangle
- Sturdy shoes
Add these items for summer
- Extra water
- Sunscreen
- Fans
Add these items for winter
- Warm clothes and rain gear or poncho
- Ice scraper
- Chains or other traction devices
- Small shovel
Supplies spotlight
- Home Hand crank AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio You can find ones with built in flashlights or cell phone chargers.
- Work/School Power bank If the power goes out, you can charge your cell phone multiple times. These are great for travel too.
- Vehicle Headlamp Frees up your hands while gathering emergency supplies or making repairs.
PDF Download
Related
Gather Supplies
Get some supplies together now so you and your loved ones are ready during an emergency. You might already have most of what you need. Sometimes it's just a matter of putting everything in one place so you can access it quickly.
Home Preparedness
Statistics show that most fires, accidents, and injuries occur in the home. Furniture, appliances and even knick-knacks can become hazards in an earthquake. You can take steps now to make your home safer before a disaster.
Emergency Water
Storing water for emergencies is one of the most important things you can do. Most people can survive for several days or weeks without food but only a few days without water.
Disaster Preparedness for Families
Are you and your family ready for a disaster? Ask yourself: What hazards can affect my home, workplace, or school?