Build a Kit

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer such as:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Sewage Treatment
  • Telephones
  • Water

For more information, watch this short video below from the Office of Emergency Management on how you can build your kit!

  1. Additional Items to Consider
  2. Basic Essentials
  3. First Aid Kit
  4. Food
  5. Ready-to-Eat
  6. Vehicle Emergency Supply Kit
  7. Water
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov.
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper - When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  • You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) - developed by Operation Hope, FEMA, and Citizen Corps to help you organize your information.