Survival Emergency Kit List: Essential Supplies for Your Family
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Survival Emergency Kit List: What to Keep on Hand
A well-stocked emergency kit can help you and your household manage when severe weather, a power outage, flooding, wildfire, or another emergency interrupts everyday services. Start with supplies for at least three days, then adjust your kit for local hazards, household needs, and the time it may take for help to arrive.
Basic Emergency Kit Checklist
Water and Food
- Drinking water: Store at least one gallon per person per day for three days. Plan for extra water in hot weather, during strenuous activity, and for pets.
- Water containers and treatment: Keep clean, food-grade containers and a reliable method for treating water, such as a suitable filter or water-purification tablets. Follow product instructions.
- Nonperishable food: Pack at least a three-day supply of ready-to-eat foods that your household will actually eat.
- Manual can opener: Include one if your food requires it.
- Special foods: Account for infants, allergies, medical diets, and other dietary needs.
Light, Communication, and Power
- Flashlights or headlamps, plus extra batteries
- A battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- Cellphone charging cables and a charged power bank
- Whistle to signal for help
- Spare batteries that fit your devices
First Aid and Personal Needs
- First aid kit and a basic first aid guide
- Prescription medications and a list of medicines, doses, and allergies
- Glasses, contact lenses, hearing-aid batteries, or other essential medical supplies
- Personal hygiene items, including soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and menstrual supplies
- Face masks and disposable gloves, if appropriate for your household
- Backup supplies for medical devices, where possible
Tools and Safety Supplies
- Multi-tool or basic hand tools
- Duct tape, work gloves, and sturdy shoes
- Plastic sheeting and durable bags
- Fire extinguisher suitable for household use
- Local maps and a written list of emergency contacts
- Copies of important documents stored in a waterproof bag
Clothing and Shelter
- Weather-appropriate clothing and a change of clothes for each person
- Warm layers, hats, gloves, and extra socks
- Sturdy footwear and rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Emergency shelter supplies, such as a tarp, if appropriate for your situation
Make Your Kit Fit Your Household
Add supplies for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pets. Include comfort items for children, pet food and water, a leash or carrier, and copies of veterinary records. If someone relies on powered medical equipment, ask their health care provider about backup power and emergency plans.
In cold regions, prepare for extended power outages and difficult travel. Keep extra warm clothing, blankets, winter footwear, and cold-weather supplies in your home and vehicle. If you use a generator, operate it outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents; never run it inside a home, garage, or other enclosed space.
Prepare for Home, Travel, and Evacuation
Consider keeping separate supplies in your home, vehicle, and a portable “go bag.” A home kit can hold bulkier items, while a go bag should be light enough to carry. Keep the vehicle kit stocked for local road and weather conditions, and do not rely on a car as a safe shelter in extreme temperatures.
Check and Refresh Your Supplies
Review your kit at least twice a year and after changes in your household. Replace expired food, water, batteries, and medications as needed. Make sure everyone knows where the supplies are and how to use essential equipment. Keep emergency contacts and important information available offline in case cell service or internet access is unavailable.
No single checklist fits every emergency. Follow local alerts and guidance, and tailor your supplies to the hazards and conditions where you live.
8 Essential Tips for Packing Your Emergency Survival Kit
- Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.
- Include a three-day supply of nonperishable food.
- Add a manual can opener and basic utensils.
- Pack a first-aid kit and personal medications.
- Bring a flashlight, extra batteries, and a hand-crank radio.
- Include a phone charger or power bank.
- Pack warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and an emergency blanket.
- Store copies of important documents, cash, and hygiene supplies in a waterproof bag.
Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.
Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days to cover drinking and basic sanitation needs during an emergency. Store extra water for hot weather, illness, physical activity, and pets, and keep it in clean, sealed containers in a cool place. Check stored water regularly and replace it according to the container’s instructions.
Include a three-day supply of nonperishable food.
Include at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food in your emergency kit so you can eat if stores are closed or you can’t leave home. Choose ready-to-eat items that need little or no water or cooking, such as canned food, nut butter, granola bars, and dried fruit. Pack a manual can opener if needed, and consider any allergies, dietary needs, and foods your household prefers. Check expiration dates regularly and replace items as needed.
Add a manual can opener and basic utensils.
Add a manual can opener and basic utensils to your emergency kit so you can open canned food and eat comfortably if the power is out or you need to leave home. Pack a sturdy spoon, fork, and knife, plus a few reusable or disposable plates and cups. Keep them together in a clean, waterproof bag, and check that the can opener works when you refresh your supplies.
Pack a first-aid kit and personal medications.
Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit with essentials such as adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, disposable gloves, and any supplies your household may need. Include personal medications and medical items, along with a written list of prescriptions, dosages, allergies, and emergency contacts. Check expiration dates regularly and replace used or outdated supplies so everything is ready when you need it.
Bring a flashlight, extra batteries, and a hand-crank radio.
Pack a reliable flashlight, extra batteries, and a hand-crank radio in your emergency kit. A flashlight helps you move safely when the power is out, while spare batteries keep it working longer. A hand-crank radio can provide emergency alerts and important updates when cell service or electricity is unavailable.
Include a phone charger or power bank.
Include a phone charger and a fully charged power bank in your emergency kit so you can keep your phone working if the power goes out. A charged phone can help you receive emergency alerts, contact family, check reliable information, and call for help. Choose a power bank with enough capacity for your needs, keep its charging cable with it, and recharge both regularly.
Pack warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and an emergency blanket.
Pack warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and an emergency blanket in your survival kit to help protect against cold, wet weather and unexpected overnight stays. Choose layers suited to your local climate, along with extra socks, gloves, and a hat. Sturdy, broken-in shoes can protect your feet and make it easier to travel over rough or debris-covered ground, while a compact emergency blanket helps retain body heat when temperatures drop.
Store copies of important documents, cash, and hygiene supplies in a waterproof bag.
Store copies of important documents, some cash, and basic hygiene supplies together in a waterproof bag so they’re easy to grab if you need to evacuate or your home is damaged. Include copies of identification, insurance information, medical details, and emergency contacts; keep originals in a secure place. Small bills can be useful if card readers or ATMs are unavailable, and items such as hand sanitizer, wipes, and menstrual products can help meet everyday needs when water or other services are disrupted. Check the bag periodically to update documents and replace used or expired supplies.