Kit Storage and Maintenance Guidelines
- Store 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 the kit twice a year and replace items that have expired or don’t work
- Cover all 12 Areas of Emergency Preparedness in your disaster supply kits
- Add additional items in kits to fit individual needs
The 12 Areas of Emergency Preparedness
1) Shelter, Clothing, & Fire
- Waterproof poncho
- Emergency reflective blanket
- Wool or fleece blanket or camping sleeping bag
- Tent or tarp with stakes
- Clothing for warm/cold weather
- Extra socks and underwear
- Hat with brim and/or bandanna
- Windproof/waterproof matches
- Alternate fire-starters
- Hand and body warmer packets
2) Water
- 1 gallon of water
- Refillable water container
- Water tablets and/or filter
3) Food
- 3-day supply of ready-to-eat, nonperishable food
- Hard candies
4) Hygiene & Sanitation
- Personal hygiene kit: soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, toilet tissue, feminine items, razor, lip
balm, wash cloth, etc. - Garbage bags
- Hand sanitizer
- Baby wipes
- Zip-style baggies
- Camp/signal mirror
5) Light & Power
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Light sticks
6) First Aid
- First aid kit: Adhesive bandages, rolled gauze and pads, antibiotic cream, disposable gloves, burn gel, antiseptic towelettes, tweezers, triangle bandage, etc.
- First aid instruction booklet
- Personal medications
- Scissors and sewing kit
- Insect repellent
- Sunblock
7) Communication
- Multi-power AM/FM radio
- Notepad and pencil
- Plastic whistle with neck cord
- Extra mobile phone charger
8) Safety & Security
- Work gloves
- N-95 mask
- Mace/pepper spray
- Spare house/car keys
9) Tools & Personal Items
- Extra glasses or contacts
- Multifunction pocket knife
- Knife sharpener
- Duct tape and 50-ft nylon rope
- Stress relief: book, game, etc.
- Religious items
10) Cooking
- Camp cup, plate, and utensils
- Lightweight stove and fuel
- Paper towels
- Can opener (may be on the knife)
11) Documents & Money
- Copies of: emergency plan, birth certificates, marriage license, will, insurance info, financial info, vehicle title, family photos, ID, emergency contact list, etc.
- Minimum 5 days cash in small bills for fuel, food, lodging, etc.
12) Transportation & Navigation
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Compass or GPS
- Wagon, stroller, cane, or wheelchair as needed
- Local map
Infant and Child 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 above.
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
- 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
- Diaper bag
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 human 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