Here's What You Need In Your Home Emergency Kit

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Include enough food, water, medical supplies and other needed items for each family member for three days. Remember to check your kit every six months to make sure you have what you need, and check your medicines to make sure they have not expired.

EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST

Special needs items for family members and pets, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, hearing aid batteries and means to transport pets
Three-day supply of food, including pet food that does not need to be refrigerated
Three-day supply of water, with at least one gallon of water per person, per day
Battery-powered radio or TV and extra batteries
Extra clothing
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Hand sanitizer or wipes and other hygiene items
Matches and waterproof container
Whistle
Cash
Kitchen items and cooking utensils, including a non-electric can opener and trash bags
Copies of credit cards, identification cards and medical and veterinary records
Items for infants, such as formula, diapers and bottles
Maps and emergency contact numbers, including those for doctors and veterinarians
Other special items that your family might need
Family Emergency Plan tear-out

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. And, don’t forget to think about specific needs in your family. Your family’s needs change over time, so update your plan regularly.

Who Will We Contact?

Pick the same person for each family member to contact. Pick someone out of town—they may be easier to reach in a disaster.

Text, don’t talk. In an emergency, phone lines may be tied up. It may be easier to text and this leaves phone lines open for emergency workers.

Where Will We Meet?

Decide on safe, familiar, accessible places where your family can go for protection or to reunite. If you have pets or service animals, think about animal-friendly locations. Consider places in your house, in your neighborhood, and outside of your city or town so you’re prepared for any situation.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

On your own list or using the resources below, write down your contacts and plans. Make sure everyone in the family has copies and keeps them in a safe space, like in a backpack, wallet, or taped in a notebook. Put them in your cell phone if you have one. Hold regular household meetings to review and practice your plan.

Fillable Communications Plans

Fill out out the communications plans below with your family. Keep a copy in a safe place, such as your purse or briefcase, your car, your office, and your disaster kit. Be sure to look them over every year and keep them up to date. Check them out here.

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