A well-prepared emergency kit can keep your family safe and comfortable during the critical first 72 hours of a disaster. Build your kit with the following essentials:
Basic Supplies
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day for three days.
- Non-Perishable Food: Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruits, and nuts.
- Manual Can Opener: Essential for canned foods.
- Flashlights and Batteries: LED flashlights are long-lasting and reliable.
- First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, medications, and medical supplies.
- Multi-Tool or Utility Knife: Versatile for various tasks.
- Whistle: To signal for help if trapped or stranded.
Personal Items
- Medications: A seven-day supply of prescriptions.
- Hygiene Supplies: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine products, soap, and sanitizers.
- Clothing and Blankets: Appropriate for the season and weather conditions.
- Important Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and medical records, stored in waterproof bags.
Additional Items
- Phone Chargers and Power Banks: Portable power sources can be lifesavers during outages.
- Cash: ATM’s and credit card machines may be unavailable.
- Maps: Physical maps of your region.
Action Tip: Store your emergency kit in a durable, easy-to-carry bag and keep it in a designated location, such as a hallway closet or garage.
