Make a Kit

Survival Kit

It is very important that you and your family have a 72-hour kit containing emergency supplies allowing you to survive on your own for about three days. Every family’s kit will look a little bit different depending on the number of family members, if you have pets, children, infants, or elderly living at your home or apartment.

Each kit must reflect the unique needs of each family in order to be a successful disaster tool. There are many suggested lists available to assist with starting your kit.

Emergency Supplies

Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

Recommended Supplies

  • Water, one gallon of water per person, per day, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered radio and a NOAA weather radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Additional items to Consider

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes.

  • Jacket or coat
  • Long pants/ long sleeve shirt
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Hat and gloves
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
  • Cash or traveler's checks, change
  • Paper towels
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Tent
  • Compass
  • Matches in a waterproof container / Rain gear
  • Signal flare
  • Paper, pencil
  • Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
  • Disinfectant
  • Household chlorine bleach - You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe, or bleaches with added cleaners.
  • Medicine dropper
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container