Home Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Keep the items you will most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry, waterproof container. Be mindful that this is a basic list of supplies. A more comprehensive list can be found in the Home Emergency Management Guide.

• Water (1 gallon per person per day; at a minimum, have a 3-day supply)
• Food (choose nonperishable, easy to prepare, healthy foods; at a minimum, have a three-day supply)
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Radio: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio AND a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  weather radio with an audible alert
• Cell phone with charger and backup battery or emergency charging device
• Tools: Multipurpose tool, manual can opener, and wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• First aid kit
• Medications (seven-day supply) and required medical devices
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items (including items like garbage bags, moist towelettes, and toilet paper)
• Copies of personal documents:
  
  • Medication list and relevant medical information
  • Proof of address
  • Lease or deed to home
  • Passports/Birth certificates
  • Insurance policies (home, auto, health, etc.)
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Printed maps of the area
• Special needs:
  
  • Glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, etc.
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers, etc.)
  • Games and activities for children
  • Pet supplies (ID, vaccination record, leash, carrier, food, and water – one-half to 1 gallon of water per pet per day)
• Additional supplies:
  
  • Personal protective equipment: Masks for everyone ages 2 and above, soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors
  • Tools and supplies to secure your house
  • Household liquid bleach (unscented)
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels disposable utensils
  • Paper and pencil
  • Rain gear (waterproof poncho, umbrella, etc.)
  • Extra clothing, hat, sturdy shoes, and work gloves
  • Towels
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

Maintaining and Storing Your Kit

• Store in a cool, dry location
• Replace expired items as needed
• Update the kit annually and as personal needs change
• Keep in a designated place in your home and make sure all household members know where it is stored

Automobile Emergency Supply Kit

• Water
• Canned food and/or energy bars
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Safety light sticks
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Jumper cables
• Trash bags
• Pencil, pen, and paper
• Metal whistle with lanyard or string to hang around your neck
• List of emergency contacts with phone
• Weather alert radio
• Emergency phone charger
• Extra cash and change

Visit the Extension Emergency Resources website for additional information and resources.

Status and Revision History
Published on Dec 10, 2021
Published with Full Review on Dec 20, 2024