The Best Emergency Preparedness Supplies

There are many emergency supply checklists available online, such as those provided by the American Red Cross, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (PDF). However, these lists can be overwhelming due to their comprehensive nature and detailed requirements. Contrary to popular belief, a basic emergency kit can often be put together using items you may already possess. Additionally, no single emergency kit can suit every individual’s needs.

Nevertheless, there are certain fundamentals that individuals ought to have readily available. As a precautionary measure, it is wise to accumulate equipment and arrange it appropriately to ensure prompt accessibility when seeking shelter during unforeseen circumstances.

Preparing for a disaster involves more than just purchasing equipment. It is important to create a basic communication strategy with your loved ones to determine a designated meeting point in case of a power outage or cellular service disruption.

Ensure that you are prepared by referring to the following list.

Food and Water

3-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned or pouched food
1 gallon of water per day for each person and pet
Manual can opener
Baby items (baby food, formula, bottles, diapers)
Pet supplies

According to FEMA, it is advisable to have a three-day supply of water available, with one gallon per person per day being sufficient for drinking and basic hygiene purposes. However, after consulting with several disaster-preparedness experts, we believe that this recommendation is too conservative. Concerns have been voiced by scientists that a major rupture in the San Andreas Fault could damage water delivery infrastructure in Southern California, potentially requiring extensive repairs that could last several months or even longer. Additionally, recent natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy have demonstrated the potential for widespread disruptions or contamination of municipal water sources. Therefore, it seems reasonable to aim for a water supply lasting 10-14 days, particularly if you reside in an area prone to earthquakes. The best way to ensure you have an adequate and readily transportable water supply is to acquire purpose-built containers.

To prepare for an emergency, it is advisable to fill your pantry with durable canned and dry goods that you typically consume, such as vegetables, fruits, grains, cereals, pasta, nuts, soups, dried fruit, peanut butter, and boxed milk (which can be stored without refrigeration prior to opening). Because you frequently consume and replace these items, they are less likely to expire. Popular Mechanics provides a plan for storing enough food to sustain a family of four for a month using supermarket staples that you would eventually eat anyways. In addition, as long as you keep the freezer closed, the food should remain safe for consumption for up to 72 hours after a power outage.

First Aid, Medication, Hygiene Supplies

First-aid kit
Medications
Hand sanitizer, wipes
Bleach – To purify water, mix 1/8 teaspoon per gallon. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes.
Toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags
Dental care products (toothpaste, toothbrushes)
Hearing and vision products (hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses, contact lens solution)
Soaps, personal hygiene supplies, diapers
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Face masks to filter air

Communication, Lighting, Document Bag Items

Battery-powered radio with extra batteries or crank radio (emergency alert radio is best)
Extra cell phone battery and car charger
Flashlights and extra batteries
Matches and lighter – keep in a waterproof container or sealable plastic bag
Whistle
Reading glasses and sunglasses
Document bag items

Add These Items for Evacuating by Car

You should have your essential items close to your vehicle as you might need to quickly depart for a safe location. When the moment arrives, take them and leave.

Road maps
Car repair items (tools, spare tire, tire patch kit, oil)
Food and water
Plastic plates, cups, utensils
Tent, blankets, pillows
Clothes and sturdy shoes
Rain gear and towels
Books, games, toys

Prior to your departure from home:

Fill your gas tank, and check your spare tire
Take cash, checkbook, and credit cards
Call your family emergency contact
Charge your mobile phone
Get a map of your route

Add These Items for Sheltering in Place

When you opt for staying at home as the most secure option, ensure to include these items in your kit and keep yourself updated with the latest news.

Smoke detectors with extra batteries
Carbon monoxide detector (if using generators, charcoal grills, or camp stoves)
Fire extinguisher
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to seal doors, windows, and air vents from contaminated air or to build an emergency shelter)

First-Aid Kit

Emergency Documents

Picture yourself in a challenging situation after a calamity where you are unable to verify your identity or access your bank account. To prevent such circumstances, prepare yourself by duplicating essential documents and securing them in a watertight container. The documents to include are:

Current photo IDs, driver licenses, birth records, Social Security cards, passports (always keep your social security number separate from other documents to decrease the risk of identity theft)
Current photos of family members, in case you get separated
Health insurance and prescription cards
Medical records, medications, and dosages
Phone numbers (family, friends, doctors)
Bank account information
Wills
Insurance documents (homeowner, renter, flood, life)
Property deeds, leases, mortgages
Vehicle titles, insurance, leases, loan documents
Inventory of household possessions and their value (take photos of every room, every drawer, every closet)
Backup computer files on a USB drive
Copies of important keys
Utility bills (to prove where you live)

People with Disabilities and Those with Access and Functional Needs

Consider your daily requirements for autonomy. Make preparations in advance for your wellbeing while you are not at home. Affix your contact details on any medical devices.

Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes
Cooler with cold packs for medications
Extra medications and dosages
Copies of prescriptions and medical alert tags
Food for special diets
Medical supplies (oxygen, glucose monitoring strips, syringes, etc.)
Hearing aids with extra batteries
Communication devices
Supplies and documentation for service animals

Pet Supplies

3-day supply of pet food, water, and bowls
Pet medications and first-aid kit
Vaccination records
Crate or carrier (may be required in shelters or where you spend the night)
Leash and toys
Cat litter and box
Photo, in case pet gets lost

Additional disaster-specific considerations

It is important for everyone to establish an emergency plan with their family and gather all necessary supplies. Assign a contact who resides out-of-state for relaying information, since making long-distance calls during disasters is usually simpler than making local calls. It is recommended to have your contact’s phone number on hand, both in your phone and wallet. Gather duplicates of essential documents and store them in your emergency kit or an easily accessible secured location. In the event of an extended crisis, ATMs and credit card machines may be out of service, so having a few hundred dollars in small bills as part of your kit or documents is advisable.

If you are a parent of young children or pets, it is essential to include formula, baby food and diapers in your emergency kit. Likewise, preparing for your pets may mean keeping a supply of extra food and prescription medication, along with a leash or crate readily available.

It is advisable to store emergency supplies such as drinking water, durable and palatable snack bars, a fundamental first-aid kit, a couple of emergency blankets, and worn-out running shoes in your vehicle for unforeseen breakdowns and more severe emergencies. In our road-trip guide, we have other suggestions for car-specific emergency equipment. Maintaining a full gas tank is also a wise decision.