What’s In Your Emergency Kit? Essentials for Every Household

Posted on
What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

When disaster strikes, there’s rarely time to plan. Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or unexpected emergency, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference. Think of it as your household’s lifeline—a way to stay safe, nourished, and informed until help arrives or conditions improve.

But what exactly should go in your emergency kit? Here’s a breakdown of the essentials every household should have—and a few extras that could make a tough situation a little easier.

What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

The Bare Essentials

Let’s start with the absolute must-haves:

1. Water

  • One gallon per person, per day for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation).
  • Consider adding water purification tablets or a portable water filter in case your supply runs out.

2. Food

  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food per person.
  • Choose items that are easy to prepare and don’t require refrigeration—think canned goods, protein bars, and dry snacks.
  • Don’t forget a manual can opener!

3. First Aid Kit

  • Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, gloves, pain relievers, allergy medication, and personal prescriptions.
  • Customize based on your family’s medical needs.

4. Flashlights and Batteries

  • Opt for LED flashlights with long battery life.
  • Include extra batteries for all devices.

5. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio

  • Choose one with NOAA weather alert capabilities to stay informed about local conditions.
  • Some models also charge phones or have built-in flashlights.

6. Personal Hygiene Items

  • Include moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper.

Important Extras

7. Cash

  • ATMs and card readers may not work during an outage. Keep small bills and coins in your kit.

8. Copies of Important Documents

  • Store copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account info in a waterproof bag.

9. Multi-Tool or Basic Tools

  • A good multi-tool can replace a toolbox in an emergency.

10. Blankets or Emergency Sleeping Bags

  • Mylar blankets are compact, lightweight, and retain body heat.

11. Phone Charger (Battery Pack or Solar)

  • Keeping your phone charged could be your only link to emergency services or loved ones.

For Families with Kids or Pets

  • Diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food if you have an infant.
  • Comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or small toy can help kids cope with stress.
  • Pet food, water, leash, and waste bags for your furry friends.

Don’t Forget to…

  • Check and update your kit every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, and medications.
  • Store your kit in a location that’s easy to access—many people keep one at home, one in the car, and even a smaller version at work.
  • Include everyone in your household when building your kit. The more familiar they are with it, the better prepared they’ll be when it counts.

Building an Emergency Kit

Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Building an emergency kit is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your household. Think of it as a form of everyday resilience: one small act of preparedness that can pay off in big ways when the unexpected happens.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

What’s In Your Emergency Kit? Essentials for Every Household

Aug 4, 2025

What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

When disaster strikes, there’s rarely time to plan. Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or unexpected emergency, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference. Think of it as your household’s lifeline—a way to stay safe, nourished, and informed until help arrives or conditions improve.

But what exactly should go in your emergency kit? Here’s a breakdown of the essentials every household should have—and a few extras that could make a tough situation a little easier.

What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

The Bare Essentials

Let’s start with the absolute must-haves:

1. Water

  • One gallon per person, per day for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation).
  • Consider adding water purification tablets or a portable water filter in case your supply runs out.

2. Food

  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food per person.
  • Choose items that are easy to prepare and don’t require refrigeration—think canned goods, protein bars, and dry snacks.
  • Don’t forget a manual can opener!

3. First Aid Kit

  • Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, gloves, pain relievers, allergy medication, and personal prescriptions.
  • Customize based on your family’s medical needs.

4. Flashlights and Batteries

  • Opt for LED flashlights with long battery life.
  • Include extra batteries for all devices.

5. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio

  • Choose one with NOAA weather alert capabilities to stay informed about local conditions.
  • Some models also charge phones or have built-in flashlights.

6. Personal Hygiene Items

  • Include moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper.

Important Extras

7. Cash

  • ATMs and card readers may not work during an outage. Keep small bills and coins in your kit.

8. Copies of Important Documents

  • Store copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account info in a waterproof bag.

9. Multi-Tool or Basic Tools

  • A good multi-tool can replace a toolbox in an emergency.

10. Blankets or Emergency Sleeping Bags

  • Mylar blankets are compact, lightweight, and retain body heat.

11. Phone Charger (Battery Pack or Solar)

  • Keeping your phone charged could be your only link to emergency services or loved ones.

For Families with Kids or Pets

  • Diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food if you have an infant.
  • Comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or small toy can help kids cope with stress.
  • Pet food, water, leash, and waste bags for your furry friends.

Don’t Forget to…

  • Check and update your kit every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, and medications.
  • Store your kit in a location that’s easy to access—many people keep one at home, one in the car, and even a smaller version at work.
  • Include everyone in your household when building your kit. The more familiar they are with it, the better prepared they’ll be when it counts.

Building an Emergency Kit

Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Building an emergency kit is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your household. Think of it as a form of everyday resilience: one small act of preparedness that can pay off in big ways when the unexpected happens.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

What’s In Your Emergency Kit? Essentials for Every Household

Aug 4, 2025

What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

When disaster strikes, there’s rarely time to plan. Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or unexpected emergency, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference. Think of it as your household’s lifeline—a way to stay safe, nourished, and informed until help arrives or conditions improve.

But what exactly should go in your emergency kit? Here’s a breakdown of the essentials every household should have—and a few extras that could make a tough situation a little easier.

What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

The Bare Essentials

Let’s start with the absolute must-haves:

1. Water

  • One gallon per person, per day for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation).
  • Consider adding water purification tablets or a portable water filter in case your supply runs out.

2. Food

  • A three-day supply of non-perishable food per person.
  • Choose items that are easy to prepare and don’t require refrigeration—think canned goods, protein bars, and dry snacks.
  • Don’t forget a manual can opener!

3. First Aid Kit

  • Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, gloves, pain relievers, allergy medication, and personal prescriptions.
  • Customize based on your family’s medical needs.

4. Flashlights and Batteries

  • Opt for LED flashlights with long battery life.
  • Include extra batteries for all devices.

5. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio

  • Choose one with NOAA weather alert capabilities to stay informed about local conditions.
  • Some models also charge phones or have built-in flashlights.

6. Personal Hygiene Items

  • Include moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper.

Important Extras

7. Cash

  • ATMs and card readers may not work during an outage. Keep small bills and coins in your kit.

8. Copies of Important Documents

  • Store copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account info in a waterproof bag.

9. Multi-Tool or Basic Tools

  • A good multi-tool can replace a toolbox in an emergency.

10. Blankets or Emergency Sleeping Bags

  • Mylar blankets are compact, lightweight, and retain body heat.

11. Phone Charger (Battery Pack or Solar)

  • Keeping your phone charged could be your only link to emergency services or loved ones.

For Families with Kids or Pets

  • Diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food if you have an infant.
  • Comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or small toy can help kids cope with stress.
  • Pet food, water, leash, and waste bags for your furry friends.

Don’t Forget to…

  • Check and update your kit every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, and medications.
  • Store your kit in a location that’s easy to access—many people keep one at home, one in the car, and even a smaller version at work.
  • Include everyone in your household when building your kit. The more familiar they are with it, the better prepared they’ll be when it counts.

Building an Emergency Kit

Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Building an emergency kit is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your household. Think of it as a form of everyday resilience: one small act of preparedness that can pay off in big ways when the unexpected happens.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

    Recent Posts

    Categories