Emergencies come unexpectedly, almost by definition. Weather-related emergencies are often particularly unpredictable – heavy rains suddenly give way to floods; a hurricane makes an abrupt change in course, or tornadoes materialize rapidly.
In the aftermath of an emergency, power supplies are often disrupted. Water sources can be fouled and polluted, and fresh food can be difficult to find. Often there’s a cascading chain of breakdowns – flooding, for instance, can drown crops or gardens, but also cause a loss of power, leading in turn to spoiled food in a fridge or freezer.
How does one prepare for such an unpredictable situation? One important method is to assemble your own disaster emergency kit. This takes the form of a supply of food, water, useful tools, and survival necessities to help someone last until help arrives, power is restored, or floodwaters recede.
This article outlines several types of disaster preparedness kits, and provides a basic list to follow to assemble one.
A Kit for Every Time
What do you need in a disaster preparedness kit? The answer depends on how long you’ll be relying on the kit. Most kits are built on the assumption that you’ll be using it for up to 72 hours, or three full days. Three days is sufficient for disaster relief to reach most affected areas, or to cover more localized emergencies like power outages, tornadoes, or smaller floods.
In some cases, a three-day supply of emergency materials will not be enough. For people who live in disaster-prone areas, such as hurricane zones or near earthquake-prone areas, it may be wise to consider an extended kit.
These are emergencies supplies designed to last up to two weeks, until outside aid can arrive. It is worth noting that for extended emergency kits, the resulting pile of supplies may start to be cumbersome – more of a large stockpile than a small kit. This is particularly true if the supplies are intended to provide for more than one person.
A Kit for Every Person
How long will you be relying on your disaster kit? That’s the first question to determine the contents; the second question is just as important – who will be using the kit? If your emergency kit is for one or two people, it may be relatively small, simple, and easy to transport (if necessary).
Once additional people are factored into consideration, the supplies required will grow. Is the kit for an entire family? How many people are in the family? Will any pets be included? Are there special needs for any of the family members? How physically fit are the members of the family, and how old – or how young?
These are all questions that you will need to consider. The goal of an emergency kit is not to provide the same level of comfort as under normal conditions, but to keep an individual or a family as safe, healthy, and well-provisioned as is possible during a crisis. With that in mind, DON’T include unnecessary items in your kit – focus on assembling only what you need.
Below are several sample kits, designed for a number of different people and for shorter and longer emergencies.
Basic Emergency Kit #1 (1-2 people, 3 days)
- Water – one gallon per person per day
- Food – non-perishable food (canned, dried, etc.)
- Energy bars pack a lot of nutrients into a small package, ideal for emergency kits
- Replace the dried food in your stash once a year if unused
- Include a manual can opener
- Radio/NOAA Weather Radio
- Chose a wind-up version or battery-powered
- Pack extra batteries
- Flashlight – same options as the weather radio
- First-Aid Kit – purchase a separate kit to add to your supply, rather than try to include all the individual items
- Whistle – to signal for help
- Basic tools – wrench or pliers, to shut off utilities
- Dust masks
- Plastic sheeting – for a temporary shelter
- Wet wipes and garbage bags – personal sanitation; also include zip ties to seal the bags
- Local maps – be sure these are waterproof, and practice using them beforehand
- Medication and prescription eye-wear
Basic Emergency Kit #2 (1-2 people, 3 days)
- Start with Kit #1, add the following:
- Important documents and identification
- Cash
- Matches or Lighter – keep in a waterproof container
- Complete change of clothing – keep in mind the local climate, and include durable clothing and footwear
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket – one per person
Extended Emergency Kit (1-2 people, up to two weeks)
- Start with the Basic Emergency Kit #2, add the following:
- Mess kit
- Cookware, eating utensils
- Small fuel-operated stove and fuel
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – 9 parts water to 1 part bleach can be diluted to form a disinfectant, while in extreme emergencies 16 drops of bleach can be used to treat one gallon of water
- Increased food – the longer the emergency, the more food you’ll need, as well as a secure, weatherproof container to store it in
- Increased water – water requirements also increase; add one extra gallon per person per day to account for sanitation and cooking
Family Emergency Kit (any number of people, up to two weeks)
- Begin with the Extended Emergency Kit, add the following:
- Pet food and supplies
- Infant formula, baby food and supplies
- Books, puzzles, and toys for children
- Duct tape
- Extra clothing
- Tent to hold the entire family
- Basic tool kit
- Soap and cleaning supplies
- Feminine hygiene products
The lists above are not exhaustive. When assembling your own disaster preparedness kit, you will need to carefully consider the people using it and adjust the contents accordingly, such as any individual factors or medical equipment that you might need.
The important thing to remember is to start preparing now for the future. If and when a disaster strikes, you’ll be better prepared to face it with a well-thought-out, carefully assembled, fully provisioned emergency kit. (Check out our printable checklist for roadside emergencies as well!)