Building a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

Disasters rarely give warning. A basic kit, packed in advance and kept where everyone in the household can find it, covers the first days until help arrives or the situation settles.

FEMA’s basic kit

• Water: one gallon per person per day, for several days (see how much water to store)
• Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, plus a manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Whistle, to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape, to shelter in place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, for sanitation
• Wrench or pliers, to turn off utilities
• Local maps (paper: phones die)
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Worth adding

Prescription medicines and glasses; copies of IDs and important documents in a waterproof bag; cash in small bills; warm layers and sturdy shoes; a tourniquet; supplies for babies, older relatives and pets.

Where to keep kits

• Home: in one agreed place, ready to grab.
• Work: be ready to shelter there for at least 24 hours.
• Car: in case you’re stranded.

Keep it current

Store canned food somewhere cool and dry and boxed food in sealed containers. Replace expired items, and review the kit once a year as your household changes.