How to build a Ready.gov emergency kit
For a home emergency kit, store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days, plus non-perishable food you'll actually eat. Add a radio, flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, medicines, a wrench for utilities and copies of key documents. Keep it all in one or two bins that you can grab fast.
Why a 72 hour emergency kit is only the floor
After a storm or quake, the power, water and stores may all be out at once, and help may be busy elsewhere. A new house adds a twist: you don't yet know which hazards your address faces or how long outages tend to last. Ask a neighbor or check your county emergency office, then shape the kit around what you learn. A home near the coast and a rural one with a well need different things.
Agencies word the goal a little differently. Ready.gov now says "several days." FEMA's kit guide says at least 72 hours, and CDC says to store water for at least three days and prefers two weeks. Three days is the floor, and more is better if you have the room.
Emergency kit checklist for water, food and supplies
| People in the house | Water for 3 days | Water for 2 weeks |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 gallons | 14 gallons |
| 2 | 6 gallons | 28 gallons |
| 4 | 12 gallons | 56 gallons |
That's one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. Store more for anyone pregnant, nursing or sick, and in hot climates. Ready.gov says very hot weather can double the need.
The basic supply list:
- Food that needs no fridge, cooking or water, such as canned meat and fruit, protein bars, peanut butter and dried fruit
- A manual can opener, plates and utensils
- A battery or hand-crank radio, ideally a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- A flashlight, extra batteries, phone chargers and a backup battery
- A first aid kit and a whistle
- Dust masks, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
- A wrench or pliers for utilities
- Local maps, since your phone may not work and you're new to the area
Then add what's personal: prescriptions and pain relievers, glasses and contact solution, cash, a change of clothes and sturdy shoes, a blanket for each person, a fire extinguisher, and matches in a waterproof container. Copy your IDs, insurance policy and bank records, and store them electronically or in a waterproof pouch.
Use the wrench with care. Shut off gas only if you smell it or officials tell you to, and leave the gas company to turn it back on.
How to build and store a home emergency kit
- Learn your local risks
Check your county emergency office for likely hazards and how alerts work. Adjust the list to suit.
- Shop your own house first
Pull flashlights, batteries, blankets and canned food from what you've already unpacked. Buy only what's missing.
- Set up the water
Keep store-bought water sealed and note its expiration date. For your own bottles, use food-grade containers, wash them, and sanitize with one teaspoon of unscented bleach per quart of water.
- Store it the right way
Water keeps best at about 50 to 70°F, out of the sun and away from gasoline or pesticides. Keep canned food cool and dry, and boxed food in closed plastic or metal containers.
- Pack and place the kit
Seal items in airtight plastic bags and load one or two bins or a duffel bag. Choose a spot near an exit and tell everyone where it is.
- Make smaller kits
Put basic supplies in each car. Ready.gov also suggests a grab-and-go case at work with enough to shelter there for at least 24 hours.
- Set a yearly review
Replace stored tap water every six months and swap out expired items. Each year, update the kit for changes in your household.
Emergency kit for pets, babies and kids
For babies, pack formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and rash cream. Ready.gov prefers ready-to-feed formula, which needs no water. For older kids, add books, games and puzzles. A familiar toy can help too. Show every child where the kit is kept.
Pets do best with two kits, says Ready.gov: a larger one for sheltering at home and a light one for leaving fast. Include several days of food and water in airtight containers, extra medicine and a first aid kit. Add a leash or harness, a carrier, litter or trash bags, and a recent photo of you with your pet. Keep copies of registration papers in a waterproof container. Ask your vet what the first aid kit should hold.
What homeowners say about their home emergency kit
Some states have yearly sales-tax holidays for emergency gear like extinguishers, generators and flashlights. Owners say to time big purchases for them. A 161-point reply links taxadmin.org's list of state sales tax holidays. (Reddit)
How much water for an emergency kit and other questions
How much water do I need for an emergency?
Plan on at least one gallon per person per day for three days. A family of four needs at least 12 gallons, and CDC prefers a two-week supply if you can store it.
Where should I keep an emergency kit at home?
Pick one designated spot that's easy to reach, and make sure everyone knows it. Keep water in a cool, dark place away from fuel and chemicals.
How often should I replace emergency water?
Replace water you bottled yourself every six months. Follow the expiration date on store-bought water, and keep it sealed in its original container.
What you’ll need
General guidance for U.S. homes, not professional advice. For gas, electrical and structural work, call a licensed pro.