An emergency preparedness kit helps you keep essential supplies together when everyday routines are disrupted. Whether you are preparing for a power outage, severe weather, or an unexpected evacuation, start with your household's real needs rather than buying equipment without a plan.
Start with a household emergency plan
Decide how you will contact one another, where you will meet, and what you would take if you needed to leave. Consider children, older adults, pets, disabilities, and any equipment that depends on electricity. Follow local emergency-management guidance when deciding how much to store and when to evacuate.
Build your emergency kit around the basics
- Water and food: Keep drinking water and shelf-stable foods your household can use. Include a manual can opener when needed, and check official guidance for quantities.
- Light: Choose flashlights or other battery-powered lighting, with compatible spare batteries. Avoid relying on candles.
- Communication: Keep a way to receive local alerts, written contact numbers, and charged backup power compatible with your phone.
- First aid: Include a clearly labeled first aid kit and personal health supplies. Discuss medication storage and backup arrangements with your pharmacist or clinician.
- Hygiene and comfort: Pack sanitation supplies, warm layers, and items specific to your family's needs.
- Important information: Keep copies of essential documents protected from water, with personal information stored securely.
Separate home supplies from a grab-and-go bag
Home emergency supplies can be stored in an accessible location. A grab-and-go bag should be portable and focused on what you can realistically carry. Make sure everyone in your household knows where both are kept, and do not store emergency equipment where it blocks exits.
Choose equipment you know how to use
Before adding a tool to your emergency kit, check its instructions, intended use, and maintenance needs. Test lighting and charging equipment ahead of time. A smaller kit you understand is more useful than a larger collection of unfamiliar gear.
Explore PreparedSavior's Home Emergency Essentials and Kits & Multi-Packs to find items that fit your checklist. Check each product's specifications before choosing it for your household.
Review your kit regularly
Set a recurring reminder to inspect packaging, replace expired supplies, check batteries, and update contact details. Revisit your kit when your household changes or when local risks change.
Frequently asked questions
What should be in an emergency preparedness kit?
Begin with water, food, lighting, communication, first aid, hygiene supplies, and essential personal items. Use local official guidance to tailor the kit to your household and area.
Is a ready-made emergency kit enough?
A ready-made kit can be a starting point, but check its contents carefully. You may need to add medication-related supplies, pet supplies, accessibility items, or compatible charging equipment.
Where should I keep my emergency kit?
Choose a location your household can access easily, following storage instructions for individual items. Keep portable supplies ready for a quick departure.
For additional planning guidance, visit Ready.gov's emergency supply kit guide. Follow instructions from local authorities during an emergency.