When people think of emergency preparedness the first thing that comes to mind is what was once called a “72-Hour Kit.” We are now encouraged to assemble a “disaster supply kit” with as much as a five-day supply of food, water and other emergency supplies and tools. You will find a suggested disaster supply kit list here. But the thing to remember is no matter what list you use, personalize your kit. If there is something you need to be healthy, happy and comfortable every day then try to put some of it in your kit.

Whether you are evacuating or sheltering at home, a disaster supply kit helps you survive for three days, five days, or longer until the incident is over or until help arrives.
This kit does not have to cost a lot of money. Most items can be gathered from around your home. If nothing else, put kit items into a plastic grocery bag until you are able to get something better. Whatever you do, put a kit together today!
Don’t forget to add necessary items to kits for children and those with access and functional needs.

Remember these disaster supply kit rules:

• Store disaster supply kits in a backpack, wheeled suitcase, or other portable container in an easy-access location, as near as possible to an exit
• Have a separate kit for each family member
• Items susceptible to water damage should be in plastic bags
• Check kit twice a year and replace items that have expired or don’t work

Follow this link for a suggested items list for your own disaster supply kit. You can find many lists for disaster supply  kits, 72-hour kits, go-bags, or whatever you want to call them. The important thing to remember is that any list is someone else's idea about what is important to include. Use this and other lists for ideas and tips about what to include, but personalize your kit to meet your own needs and abilities.

Emergency Supplies

Unless you need to evacuate, the safest place for you to be in an emergency is right at home where you have a good shelter, family and friends, and your supplies. Most incidents only last a few days and your disaster supply kits are enough to get you through. Yet, some emergencies are longer than just a few days. You need to have additional supplies at home of shelter, water, food, and other essentials to help you survive longer term emergencies. See our Twelve Areas of Emergency Preparedness for ideas on what, why, how, and how much of other supplies to have in your emergency storage.

Other Kits

You spend about 50% of your day away from home. It is important to have basic disaster supplies wherever you spend time. Make smaller disaster supply kits appropriate for work, school, and wherever you and your family spend time outside of your home. Work and school kits should be small enough to fit in a desk or locker and their contents should conform to work or school rules and policies.

Vehicle Kit

Have an emergency kit in the car to help you and your family be ready for an accident, breakdown, getting lost, or other vehicle related emergency. Follow this link for a suggested items list for your own vehicle emergency kits. Have one in each vehicle. Remember that items in this kit will experience extremes in both hot and cold temperatures, so only include items that can withstand the temperatures. You may need to rotate items more frequently as well.

Infant Disaster Supply Kit

Infant and child emergency kits need to be different from adult kits. For 0 to 2 years, kits need to be updated every 2 to 3 months. This can be in addition to what is already in a diaper bag. Children’s clothing should be one size larger than they are currently wearing.
Choose age and ability appropriate infant/child kit items from the disaster supply kit list on the front page. Add other items according to the child’s specific needs from the list below.

• 5 days of disposable diapers
• Baby wipes
• Baby powder and diaper cream
• Changing pad
• Water and infant formula
• Baby bottle and extra nipples
• Baby food pouches, not bottles
• Sippy cup, spoon, and bib
• Toddler snacks
• Bottle and nipple brush
• Burp rags
• Disposable nursing pads
• Pacifiers
• Teething gel or tablets
• Thermometer
• Infant/child vitamins
• Infant/child medications
• Fleece pajamas with feet
• 3 to 4 changes of clothing
• Favorite toy or blanket
• Child ID in clothing for if
  separated from parents
• Additional diaper bag items

Pet Disaster Supply Kit

Pets are part of the family and need to have their own disaster supply kits including basic food, water, and shelter as well. All too often in disasters, pets are forgotten or left behind to fend for themselves. This is dangerous for the pets and for anyone they may encounter.
Remember your pets’ unique needs when assembling their kits. Be aware that for health reasons, most shelters will not allow animals, other than licensed service animals.

• Kennel, cage, or carrier
• Blanket
• 5 days of water and pet food
• Collapsible food/water bowl
• Pet waste bags
• Kitty litter/box and scoop
• Pet first aid kit
• Pet medicine and medications
• Flea and tick repellent
• Leash
• Pet cold weather clothing
• Pet toys
• Can opener
• Vaccination/medical records
• License/adoption records
• Collar ID

Every-day-carry kit

What’s in your pocket? Emergencies happen when least expected and tend to be when you are the least prepared. It is a good idea to carry a few things to help you survive an unexpected event for a few hours, until you are able to get home and to your preparedness supplies. Carry these items every day in your pockets,
purse, or in a small pack. Use discretion and follow the rules and policies of where you are going when deciding what to carry with you. Suggested items may include but are not limited to:

• Flashlight
• Whistle
• Pocketknife or multi-tool
• Mobile phone
• Cash
• Identification
• Written copy of important contacts
• Energy bar
• Water bottle
• Pocket first aid kit
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Non-latex gloves
  • Alcohol pad
  • Rescue breathing barrier
• Pad of paper and pencil
• Personal medications
• Personal medical and allergy information
• Hand sanitizer

Prioritized Evacuation Grab List