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