Essentials kits can help you respond to natural disasters or other serious situations. Prepare for the unexpected with a survival kit that can come in handy if you need to evacuate your home. Gather enough supplies for three days and keep everything you need on hand in case of an emergency. Make sure your family members know where to find the kit. Also consider keeping basic essentials in your car.

The basic emergency kit includes:

  • Small waterproof flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries
  • waterproof matches
  • Water, 1 gallon per person per day
  • Food that does not spoil, including baby food if needed
  • Manual food can opener
  • Pet food and supplies such as a leash if needed
  • Small notepad and waterproof writing instrument
  • Blanket
  • Mobile phone with solar charging
  • Battery or manual radio and weather radio with tone alarm and extra batteries for both
  • Insect repellent
  • whistling
  • First aid kit
  • respirator
  • Plastic film and duct tape for impromptu hiding
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Medicine, week supply
  • Additional medical supplies or equipment, as needed
  • Soap, toothbrush, feminine supplies and other personal hygiene items
  • Wet wipes, trash bags and plastic ties for personal hygiene
  • Emergency medical information for you and your family
  • Phone numbers for professional emergency contacts such as your family doctor and pediatrician
  • Telephone numbers for personal emergency contact, such as a friend or family member you have asked to fill this role.
  • Copy of insurance cards
  • Cash or travelers checks and change
  • Area maps
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys