A good emergency kit isn't about buying a pre-packaged bucket — it's about having the right supplies for your specific household, your specific risks, and the scenarios most likely to affect your area. Here's how to build one that actually works.
The Core Principles
Water First
Water is your most critical supply. Without it, nothing else matters. Store more than you think you need.
Think in Scenarios
Shelter-in-place needs differ from evacuation. Build for both — a home supply and a portable go-bag.
Rotate Supplies
Food and water expire. Check and rotate your kit every 12 months — set a calendar reminder for the same date each year.
Store It Accessible
A kit buried in the basement does nothing. Keep your go-bag near the door, your main supply somewhere you can reach it fast.
What You Need & Why
1. Water Storage
Water is the non-negotiable. FEMA recommends 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation — but this assumes normal activity levels. In heat or physical stress, double it. For a family of four, that's 8 gallons per day minimum.
72-Hour Supply (4 people)
The FEMA minimum for a family of four. Adequate for most short-term emergencies.
1-Week Supply (4 people)
Covers most natural disasters. Enough to shelter in place comfortably for a week without resupply.
2-Week Supply (4 people)
For high-risk areas or major disasters. Requires larger storage containers or a dedicated water tank.
Water Storage Products
WaterBOB Emergency Water Storage
Fills your bathtub to store 100 gallons in a clean plastic bladder. One-time use but brilliant for hurricane prep. Keeps water clean for 16 weeks.
Augason Farms 55-Gallon Water Barrel
Food-grade 55-gallon barrel with pump and bung wrench. The most cost-effective long-term water storage for families. Store in a cool, dark place.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Filters up to 1,000 gallons from any water source. Removes 99.9999% of bacteria. One per person — include in every go-bag.
2. Food Storage
Emergency food doesn't have to be unpleasant. Focus on foods your family already eats, store what you rotate, and rotate what you store.
What to Store
- Canned goods with pull tabs (tuna, beans, soup, vegetables)
- Peanut butter — high calorie, long shelf life, no cooking required
- Crackers, granola bars, and dried fruit
- Instant oatmeal, rice, and pasta (need water and heat)
- Shelf-stable milk and juice boxes
- Baby food and formula if applicable
- Pet food for the amount of time you're preparing for
Emergency Food Products
Mountain House 72-Hour Emergency Food Kit
18 servings of freeze-dried meals with 30-year shelf life. Just add water. Covers one person for 3 days. Genuinely good taste.
Augason Farms 30-Day Emergency Food Supply
1,800+ calories per day for 30 days, one person. 307 servings across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. 25-year shelf life.
3. The Go-Bag
A go-bag is a pre-packed bag you can grab in under 2 minutes if you need to evacuate. Keep it by your front door during storm season. The goal is to never have to think about what to pack under stress.
📋 Documents & Money
- Copies of ID, passport, insurance cards
- Insurance policy numbers
- Bank account information
- Cash in small bills ($200–$500)
- USB drive with digital copies of everything
🔋 Power & Communication
- Phone charger and charging cables
- High-capacity power bank (20,000mAh+)
- Battery-powered weather radio
- Backup battery for hearing aids or other devices
- List of important phone numbers (written down)
💊 Health & Safety
- 30-day supply of all prescription medications
- First aid kit
- Extra glasses or contact lenses
- Hand sanitizer and N95 masks
- Copies of medical records and prescriptions
🎒 Clothing & Shelter
- 3 days of clothing per person
- Rain gear and sturdy shoes
- Emergency mylar blanket
- Small flashlight with extra batteries
- Multi-tool or pocket knife
Go-Bag Essentials
Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000mAh)
Charges an iPhone 6+ times. Two USB-A and one USB-C. Keep it charged year-round — it'll be dead when you need it most if you don't.
Midland ER310 Emergency Weather Radio
Hand crank + solar + battery. NOAA alerts with county-specific SAME technology. Works when cell networks are down.
EVERLIT 250 Pieces First Aid Kit
Military-grade first aid kit in a molle-compatible bag. Includes tourniquet, Israeli bandage, and trauma supplies alongside everyday first aid.
4. Special Needs & Pets
Infants & Young Children
- Formula, baby food, and diapers for 2 weeks
- Comfort items — a familiar toy or blanket reduces stress significantly
- Copies of vaccination records and pediatrician contact info
- Baby carrier for hands-free evacuation
Elderly Family Members
- 90-day supply of all medications — ask your doctor for an emergency prescription
- Medical equipment power needs — CPAP, oxygen concentrators require generator planning
- Mobility aids and spare parts
- Medical alert information in a waterproof pouch
Pets
- 2-week supply of food and water for each pet
- Carrier or crate plus a familiar blanket
- Vaccination records and vet contact info
- Medications and any special supplies
- ID tags updated with current contact info
Free Emergency Kit Checklist
Complete supply lists for shelter-in-place, go-bags, pets, infants, and elderly family members — all in one printable download.