When creating an emergency survival kit, think about what you might need if you were stranded or needed to evacuate your home for three to seven days. Prepare your kit well in advance, and keep it in an easily accessible location, so you can take essential items with you if you must evacuate quickly.
The Core Emergency Survival Kit
- Water – one gallon per person, per day.
- Food – nonperishable and canned foods, along with a non-electric can opener.
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items.
- Flashlights with extra batteries.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio. If battery-powered, have extra batteries.
- Extra clothing and blankets.
- A first-aid kit.
- Emergency cash and checks – credit cards may not be dependable if there is a power outage.
- Electronic chargers, including chargers that can be used in your vehicle.
- A whistle to signal for help.
- Duct tape.
- Copies of personal documents – including a home inventory list, insurance policies and other important legal and financial documents.
- Bug spray.
- Pen and notebook – use to keep notes, important phone numbers, etc., if power is out and electronic devices are not working.
Additional Survival Kit Items
- Baby supplies – diapers, wipes, infant formula, food and bottles.
- Pet food and extra water for your pets.
- Medications – if you, a family member, or a pet rely on daily medications, be sure
to include at least a three to seven-day supply.
Critical Personal Documents (Hard Copy or Digital)
- Copy of your insurance policies – both home and auto.Wills, trusts, deeds and birth certificates.
- Account numbers – bank accounts, insurance accounts, etc.
- Personal and family records.
- Copies of licenses and/or ID cards.
- Medical records.
- Legal and financial documents.
- An inventory of your home’s contents.
- Photographs of your home and your belongings.
