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Checklist checklist - Supply kit - If a disaster strikes in your community

If a disaster strikes in your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for several days. Preparing an emergency kit for your family is an important step in keeping them safe and healthy during an emergency.

Pack an emergency supply kit. Be sure to include:
At Least a 3-day Supply of Food and Water
Water – one gallon per person, per day
Food – foods that are easy to make and won’t spoil, like canned soup, dry pasta, and powdered milk
Manual can opener
Basic utensils to prepare and serve meals

Are You Prepared?
Get more information about how to create and store an emergency water supply and prepare your emergency food supply.

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Health Supplies
3-day supply of all medicines, at a minimum
Medical supplies like syringes, a walking cane, or hearing aids with extra batteries
Personal Care Items
Soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Baby wipes
Contact lenses or glasses
Safety Supplies
First aid kit
Emergency blanket
Multipurpose tool (that can act as a knife, file, pliers, and screwdriver)
Whistle
Electronics
Flashlight
Radio (battery-powered, solar, or hand-crank) for updates on the situation
Cell phone with chargers
Extra batteries
Documents
Copies of important documents such as insurance cards and immunization records
Paperwork about any serious or on-going medical condition
Your completed family emergency plan, complete with family and emergency contact information.

You should also include:
Extra cash
Maps of the area
Extra set of car keys and house keys
Take Care of Others

Every family is unique. You may have emergency needs not included in this list. Also, remember to update your kit according to changing needs of your family.
For Children
Baby supplies like bottles, formula, baby food, and diapers
Games and activities for children
For Pets
Food and Water
A 3-day supply of food and water for each pet. A cat or a dog will generally need 1 gallon for three days.
Bowls or bottles
Manual can opener
Cleaning Supplies
Depending on the pet, you may need a litter box, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach
Health and Safety
Medicines and medical records stored in a waterproof container
First aid kit with a pet first aid book
Transport supplies
A sturdy leash, harness, and carrier to transport pets safely. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for several hours.
Comfort Items
Pet toys and the pet’s bed, if you can easily bring it, to reduce stress
Paperwork
Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them, and to prove that they are your pets, in case you become separated from them
Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care
Download our Pet Emergency Checklist
Quick Tips
Keep it fresh. It’s extremely important that all items in your kit are functional at the time of an emergency.
Check the expiration dates on food, water, medicine, and batteries at least two times per year.
Replace any food or supplies that may have expired.
Be sure it’s ready to use. In a disaster situation, you may need to get your emergency supply kit quickly, whether you are sheltering at home or evacuating.
Once you have gathered your supplies, pack the items in easy-to-carry containers.
Clearly label the containers and store them where you can reach them easily.
Remember that certain items, like medications and paper documents, need to be kept in waterproof containers.
Involve children. Families can make emergencies less stressful by preparing in advance and working together as a team. Ready Wrigley can help!
Ask your kids to think of items that they would like to include in an emergency supply kit, such as books, games, and pre-packaged foods.
Your kids can mark the dates on a calendar for checking emergency supplies. Tell them to remind you when it’s time to check the supplies.
Include kids in planning and creating disaster kits for family pets.
Know your house. Find out where your gas, electric, and water shut-off locations are, and how to turn them off.
Prepare for everywhere. Emergencies can happen anywhere. Remember to prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles.

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Page last reviewed: October 18, 2017
Page last updated: October 18, 2017
Content source:
Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response