Make an Emergency Kit

Emergency Kit Checklist

The  72-Hour Emergency Kit should meet the basic survival needs of your family for 3-7 days.

Most families prefer to store their emergency supplies in one location that is relatively safe, yet easily accessible if evacuation is required.

Store items in a 32-gallon trashcan, suitcase, duffle bag, back pack, footlocker, or use individual packs for each family member. 

Emergency Needs

  • battery powered radio
  • water storage (1 gallon/person/day)
  • water purification tablets
  • first aid kit & manual
  • utility knife
  • sleeping bags & blankets (wool and thermal)
  • manual can opener
  • waterproof/windproof matches
  • extra eyeglasses/contact lenses
  • flashlight
  • non-perishable foods
  • essential medications
  • extra clothing
  • emergency battery-operated candles or light sticks

Suggested Non-Perishable Food Items

  • Ready-to eat goods in unbreakable containers
  • Canned or 'stay fresh pouch' meats
  • dehydrated fruits & vegetables
  • powdered milk
  • juice
  • infant care foods
  • crackers
  • peanut butter

Sanitation Kit

  • plastic bucket w/tightly fitted lid
  • baby supplies
  • plastic bags & ties
  • aluminum foil
  • disinfectant
  • paper towels
  • improvised toilet seat
  • personal hygienic needs
  • paper cups & plates
  • plastic utensils
  • personal toiletries
  • soap

Other Emergency Needs

  • Pen & paper
  • Work gloves
  • Money
  • Basic tools
  • Address & phone numbers

Standard First Aid Kit

  • Pen & paper
  • Work gloves
  • Money
  • First aid manual
  • Aspirin or pain relievers
  • Laxatives
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Diarrhea medicine
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Soap
  • gauze
  • band-aids
  • triangular bandage (36"x36"x52")
  • elastic bandage
  • cotton balls
  • cotton swabs
  • safety pins
  • scissors
  • thermometer
  • sanitary napkins (also used as a pressure dressing)
  • disposable diapers (also use as a dressing/splint/padding)
  • microspore adhesive, paper tape
  • matches
  • needles
  • tweezers
  • small splints, popsicle sticks
  • heavy string
  • syrup of ipecac
  • individual medical needs

Car Survival Kit

  • always maintain at least 1/2 tank of gas
  • first aid kit & manual
  • Class ABC fire extinguisher
  • radio & batteries
  • jumper cables
  • bottled water
  • blankets or sleeping bags
  • sundry kit with paper & pencil, maps,
  • tissues, pre-moistened towels, plastic bags, essential medications
  • flashlights & extra batteries
  • reflectors & flares
  • non-perishable food stored in coffee can
  • short rubber hose for siphoning
  • bag of sand, shovel & tools

Make Copies of all Legal Papers

  • marriage license
  • house mortgage
  • vacation home/property ownership
  • drivers licenses
  • auto/motor home ownership
  • wills
  • jewelry appraisals
  • trailers, snowmobiles, boat ownerships
  • insurance policies
  • bank accounts

Pet Items

  • Extra food stored in sturdy containers
  • Kitty litter
  • Large capacity self-feeder and water dispenser
  • Extra medications