How to Build a Disaster Kit: Complete Emergency Checklist

After an emergency, you and your family may need to survive on your own for several days. A disaster kit checklist ensures you have essential supplies ready to help you stay safe, no matter the situation. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), a well-prepared disaster kit should sustain your household for at least 72 hours.

Below, we’ve outlined a comprehensive disaster kit checklist to help you prepare.

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Why You Need a Disaster Kit

Emergencies and natural disasters can strike without warning, leaving you stranded at home or forced to evacuate. Having a disaster kit gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have food, water, and critical supplies on hand to keep your family safe and comfortable during unexpected events.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Additional Emergency Supplies

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Glasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

How to Maintain Your Disaster Kit

After assembling your kit, it’s important to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Store canned food in a cool, dry place.

• Keep boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.

• Replace expired items as needed.

• Review and update your kit each year to reflect your family’s changing needs.

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Where to Store Your Disaster Kit

Since you won’t know where you’ll be when an emergency occurs, keep kits in multiple locations:

At Home

Store the kit in a designated place and make sure all family members know where it is in case you need to leave quickly.

At Work

Plan to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Include food, water, medicine, and comfortable walking shoes in a “grab and go” case.

In Your Vehicle

Keep an emergency kit in your car in case you become stranded.

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Stay Prepared and Stay Safe

Following this disaster kit checklist will help ensure that you and your loved ones are ready for the unexpected.