An emergency kit checklist helps a household prepare for a power outage, severe storm, evacuation, or another local disruption. You do not need to buy every item at once. Gather basics you already own, note what is missing, and keep the kit somewhere everyone can reach. The official Ready.gov Build a Kit guide is a useful starting point; adapt it to the people, pets, and hazards in your area.
Start with water and shelf-stable food
Ready.gov recommends at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation, and a several-day supply of non-perishable food. Consider additional water for hot weather, pregnancy, illness, or pets. Choose food your family will actually eat, including options that need no cooking. Pack a manual can opener if necessary. Rotate supplies before expiration dates and store them within the manufacturer’s temperature guidance.
Light, information, and charging
Include a flashlight, spare batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. A NOAA Weather Radio with a tone alert may be helpful for local warnings. Store charging cables and a charged power bank if you use mobile devices. Download local emergency alerts where available; the FEMA app can provide weather and emergency alerts for selected locations. Avoid relying entirely on one phone or an internet connection.
Health and sanitation supplies
Add a first aid kit, any necessary prescription medicines, spare glasses or contact supplies, and personal hygiene items. Keep copies of essential medication information and discuss emergency refills with a pharmacist or clinician when relevant. Include soap, hand sanitizer, wipes, trash bags, and supplies for infants or people who need special care. Store medicines as directed; some cannot remain in a hot car or an unheated garage.
Documents, cash, and a family plan
Keep copies of key identification, insurance information, emergency contacts, and important medical details in a protected folder or secure digital backup. Include small bills if a power outage affects payment systems. Agree on a meeting place and an out-of-area contact. Put a paper contact list in the kit in case phones run out of power.
Make a separate go-bag and car kit
A home container can be larger; an evacuation bag should be easy to carry. If you drive, consider a separate kit that reflects your local weather and commute. Ready.gov’s car safety checklist suggests items such as jumper cables, an ice scraper, a charger, and a blanket. For seasonal household preparation, see our home water and energy conservation article.
Review it twice a year
Set reminders to check dates, batteries, clothing sizes, and the family’s changing needs. A kit that is easy to find and tailored to your household is more useful than an elaborate box that nobody has checked for years.
Frequently asked questions
How many days of supplies should I keep?
Ready.gov recommends a several-day supply. Local officials may recommend more for particular hazards; follow your community’s guidance.
Where should an emergency kit go?
Keep it in a cool, dry, accessible place that household members know. Make your evacuation bag easy to grab.
