Your household emergency kit should include the necessary supplies to sustain you and your family in your home for at least 3 days. Remember that it may take a significant amount of time for basic services (water, electricity, and telephones) to return to normal.

• Batteries
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Cash in small denominations
• A copy of important documents and phone numbers
• Don't forget water and supplies for your pets
• Essential medications
• Extra keys to your house and vehicle
• Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid, or other vital personal items
• First Aid kit
• Flashlight (with extra batteries)
• Food: Ready-to-eat or just-add-water
• Heavy gloves
• Large plastic bags for waste and sanitation
• A local map
• Manual can opener
• Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, and soap
• Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and utility knife for covering broken windows
• Radio (battery-operated or manual)
• Special-need items for children and seniors or people with disabilities
• Sturdy shoes
• Unscented liquid household bleach for water purification
• Warm clothes, a hat, and rain gear
• Water: 1 gallon per person per day