How to Make an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can be crucial in a disaster.

Having a well-planned emergency kit in your home keeps you prepared for any sort of disaster, no matter how big or small. Whether you need it to treat an injury or for survival following a catastrophic event such as an earthquake or hurricane, an emergency kit allows you to survive on your own. In some serious cases, help might not arrive for hours or days, making a comprehensive emergency kit a crucial piece of your household.

Things You'll Need

• See each package listed below for items.

Instructions

1. Designate a place in your home to stock your emergency kit. Because the kit will include water and food, find a place that doesn't receive a large amount of sunshine but is easily accessible should an emergency arise.

2. Buy spring water to keep with your kit. Buy 1 gallon of water for each person in your household per day for at least three days. Buy nonperishable food to feed your family for at least three days. Include a can opener and utensils to eat the food.

3. Include one flashlight per person in your kit. Buy extra batteries for the flashlights, and include them in your kit.

4. Put together a first aid kit. This kit should include bandages, sterile gloves, a thermometer, prescription medicine, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers and anti-diarrhea medicine. Include extra toiletries in case you can't access your other ones.

5. Pack warm clothes, a blanket and a sleeping bag in the kit. Including tools is handy if you need to escape your house or fix something. Include a cellphone charger to keep your phone charged if you need to call people.

References

• 72 Hours: Are You Prepared?
• Ready.gov: Get a Kit
• Red Cross: Get a Kit