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