Make a Kit
Emergencies can limit access to power, water, transportation, and stores. Having emergency kits ready helps you stay safe, meet basic needs, and respond quickly.
Most households should have two types of kits: one for leaving quickly and one for staying at home.
Types of Kits
Go-Bag (Evacuation Kit)
A go-bag is a portable kit you can grab quickly during fast‑moving emergencies like wildfires, flooding, or other situations that require immediate evacuation.
Your go-bag should:
- Be easy to carry (backpack or small duffel)
- Be stored near an exit or in your vehicle
- Support your basic needs for 24 to 72 hours
Note: Prepare supplies for home, work, and cars.
Stay-at-Home Kit
A stay-at-home kit helps your household remain safe and self‑sufficient when it’s safer to stay indoors, such as during earthquakes, power outages, or severe weather. Store it in an accessible location, include enough supplies for three to seven days, and ensure it meets the needs of everyone in your home.
Basic Emergency Supplies
Build your kits around items that support water, food, safety, communication, and basic needs.
Consider including:
- Water (at least one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Flashlights or lanterns with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Portable phone chargers or power banks
- First aid kit and basic medical supplies
- Personal hygiene and sanitation items
- N95 masks or face coverings
- Clothing, sturdy shoes, and blankets
- Cash in small bills
- Basic tools (including a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities)
- Fire extinguisher
First Aid and Health Supplies
Include supplies to treat injuries and manage health needs during an emergency.
Consider including:
- A complete first aid kit
- Prescription medications (at least several days’ supply)
- Over-the-counter medications (pain relief, allergy, stomach relief)
- Medical supplies such as bandages, gloves, antiseptic, and thermometers
- Personal hygiene items
- N95 masks or protective equipment as needed
Important Documents
Keep copies of important documents in your emergency kits in case you need to leave quickly or access services after a disaster. Store them in a waterproof, portable container, and consider keeping digital backups. Having these financial documents ready can help speed up recovery, insurance claims, and access to assistance.
Important documents can include:
- Identification (driver’s license, passports)
- Insurance policies (home, renters, health, auto)
- Medical information and prescriptions
- Emergency contact list
- Bank account and financial information
- Property records or lease agreements
- Photos of your home, belongings, and important assets
Supplies for Children
Children may have different needs during emergencies. Include items that support their health, safety, and comfort.
Consider including:
- Infant formula, baby food, and feeding supplies
- Diapers, wipes, and hygiene items
- Age-appropriate snacks
- Comfort items such as toys, books, or blankets
- Extra clothing
Supplies for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
Emergency kits should reflect individual needs and how people live day-to-day.
Consider including:
- Extra medications and medical supplies
- Assistive devices and mobility aids
- Backup batteries or power supplies for medical equipment
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and related supplies
- Written medical information and emergency contacts
- Items that support communication or language access
Learn more about the whole community approach for additional preparedness considerations.
Supplies for Pets
Prepare a kit that supports your pet’s basic needs and allows you to evacuate quickly.
Consider including:
- Food and water
- Bowls
- Medications
- Leashes, harnesses, or carriers
- Identification tags and microchip information
- Vaccination and medical records
- Waste supplies (bags or litter)
Pets should be included in your emergency planning. Visit the Pet Preparedness webpage for additional preparedness considerations.
Where to Store Your Kits
Keep emergency supplies where they can be reached quickly.
Consider storing kits:
- Inside your home in a central location
- Near exits for quick evacuation
- In your vehicle
- At your workplace
Note: Make sure all household members know where kits are located.
Maintain Your Kit
Emergency kits require regular maintenance to remain effective.
At least once a year:
- Replace expired food and water
- Update medications and medical supplies
- Check and replace batteries
- Update documents and contact information
- Adjust supplies as household needs change
Note: Use seasonal reminders, such as Daylight Saving Time, to review your kit.