What goes in an emergency preparedness kit
An emergency preparedness kit is a collection of supplies you keep at home, in your car, or at work so you can survive the first 72 hours after a disaster without outside help. The kit should contain water, food, first aid supplies, medications, documents, and tools to stay warm and communicate. Most kits cost between $50 and $150 to assemble, depending on how many people you are preparing for and whether you already own some items.
The reason 72 hours matters is that emergency responders typically prioritize life-threatening situations first, and utility restoration or supply delivery often takes several days. A kit that covers three days means you are not dependent on outside help while roads are blocked, power is out, or water systems are not working.
You do not need to buy a pre-made kit, though they exist. Most people save money and end up with items they actually use by assembling their own. Start with water and non-perishable food, add a first aid kit and any medications your household takes, then add the items in the sections below based on your local hazards and your family's needs.
Key Takeaways
- Store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation, which means a family of four needs 12 gallons for three days.
- Non-perishable food should require no cooking or refrigeration, and you should choose items your household actually eats so you will rotate them in and out.
- Keep copies of important documents (insurance policies, medical records, property deeds) in a waterproof container separate from originals.
- Include prescription medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and any medical equipment your household uses, with enough for at least two weeks.
- Store your kit in an straightforward-to-reach location and tell household members where it is; practice retrieving it once a year.
Water and food: the foundation of any kit
Water is the first priority because humans can survive only a few days without it. Store one gallon per person per day — that gallon covers both drinking and basic sanitation like washing hands or cleaning wounds. For a family of four, that means 12 gallons for three days. Store water in food-grade containers, rotate it every six months, and keep it in a cool, dark place. Tap water in a sealed container lasts longer than bottled water because bottled water can absorb flavors from plastic over time.
Food should be shelf-stable, require no cooking or refrigeration, and not need much water to prepare. Canned goods, peanut butter, granola bars, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts all work. Include a manual can opener if you store canned food. Choose items your household actually eats — if nobody in your family likes canned tuna, do not buy it just because it is shelf-stable. Rotate food every six months by eating what you stored and replacing it, so nothing expires and you stay familiar with what you have.
If anyone in your household has dietary restrictions, allergies, or preferences, plan for those too. A kit that nobody will eat during a crisis is not useful. Include infant formula and diapers if you have young children, and pet food if you have animals.
Medications and medical supplies
Keep a two-week supply of any prescription medications your household takes in your kit, separate from your daily supply. Store them in their original labeled bottles so you know the dose and expiration date. Rotate them every six months by using the kit supply and replacing it with fresh medication from your pharmacy. If you use medical equipment like an inhaler, glucose monitor, or EpiPen, keep backup supplies in the kit.
Add over-the-counter medications for common problems: pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, antihistamines, and any other drugs your household uses regularly. Include a basic first aid kit with bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relief cream, tweezers, scissors, and elastic bandages. If someone in your household has a chronic condition, add supplies specific to that condition — for example, if someone has diabetes, include extra test strips and lancets.
Keep a written list of all medications and dosages in your kit, along with the names and phone numbers of your doctors and pharmacies. If you need to evacuate or seek emergency care, this list helps medical providers understand your medical history quickly.
Documents and information you need to keep safe
Store copies of important documents in a waterproof, fireproof container in your kit. These include insurance policies (home, auto, health), property deeds or mortgage documents, birth certificates, Social Security cards, medical records, and vaccination records. You do not need originals — copies are enough for most purposes after a disaster, and keeping originals in a separate safe location protects them if your kit is damaged.
Add a list of emergency contacts with phone numbers, including family members, doctors, insurance companies, and your employer. Include your bank account numbers and credit card numbers so you can report fraud if cards are lost. Take photos of your home's interior and exterior, including contents of closets and cabinets, and store those photos in your kit or in cloud storage — they help with insurance claims if your home is damaged.
Write down your passwords or store them in an encrypted password manager that you can access from a phone or tablet if you evacuate. If you have pets, include photos and descriptions so you can post them if you become separated.
Tools, warmth, and communication
Include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio so you can hear emergency broadcasts and weather updates if the power is out. A flashlight with extra batteries or a rechargeable flashlight means you can see without relying on electricity. A whistle helps rescuers locate you if you are trapped. A multi-tool or knife, duct tape, and a wrench or pliers let you turn off utilities if there is a gas leak or water damage.
Add blankets, a sleeping bag, or emergency thermal blankets to stay warm if your heat is not working. Include a change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each household member. A N95 mask or two protects against dust and smoke if there is air quality damage from fire or debris.
Keep a phone charger that works without electricity — either a solar charger, a hand-crank charger, or a battery pack. A battery-powered phone charger can keep your phone alive long enough to call for help or receive emergency alerts. If you have a landline, keep a corded phone in your kit because cordless phones do not work when the power is out.
Special considerations based on your location and household
Your location determines which hazards you should prepare for. If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, find heavy furniture to walls and include items for being trapped indoors. If you live in a hurricane or flood zone, include a plan for evacuation and items for sheltering in place. If you live where winter storms are common, add extra blankets and hand warmers. If you live in a wildfire area, include a respirator mask rated for smoke and a plan for rapid evacuation.
Your household's specific needs also matter. If you have elderly family members, include any mobility aids they use and extra doses of medications they take. If you have young children, include comfort items like stuffed animals or books, along with activities to keep them calm. If you have pets, include food, water, carriers, leashes, and medical records for each animal. If anyone in your household has a disability, plan for any equipment or supplies they need to stay safe and comfortable.
Talk with your household about the kit and where it is stored so everyone knows where to find it. Practice retrieving it once a year and update it when medications change, family members are added or leave, or you move to a new location.
Where to store your kit and how to maintain it
Store your kit in an straightforward-to-reach location that all household members know about — a hall closet, a shelf in the garage, or under a bed work well. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight so medications and food do not degrade. If you have multiple household members, consider keeping a smaller kit in your car and a small kit at work so you have supplies wherever you are when a disaster strikes.
Check your kit twice a year — once in spring and once in fall — to rotate food and water, check expiration dates on medications and first aid supplies, and replace anything that has been used or damaged. This maintenance takes about 30 minutes and ensures your kit is ready when you need it. Mark the dates you checked it on a label so you remember when you last updated it.
If you evacuate and use items from your kit, replace them as soon as it is safe to do so. If you do not evacuate but the power goes out for a few days, use the kit and replace what you used. Treating your kit as a living resource that you rotate through keeps everything fresh and means you are familiar with what you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build an emergency kit?
A basic kit for one person costs $30 to $50 if you buy items gradually and choose store brands. A family of four can build a kit for $100 to $200. Pre-made kits cost more — usually $150 to $400 — but save time if you do not want to assemble one yourself. The cost depends on what you already own and whether you include items specific to your household's medical needs.
Can I use regular tap water in my kit, or do I need bottled water?
Tap water in a sealed food-grade container works fine and costs less than bottled water. Rotate it every six months by using it and refilling. If you prefer bottled water, rotate it every six to twelve months. In either case, store water in a cool, dark place. Do not store water in containers that previously held chemicals or pesticides.
What if I do not have room for a full 72-hour kit?
Start with a smaller kit that covers 24 hours — one gallon of water per person, a few days of food, medications, and a first aid kit. Keep it in a backpack or small container. You can expand it over time as space and budget allow. A partial kit is better than no kit, and you can add to it gradually.
Should I keep my kit in my car or at home?
Keep your main kit at home where you spend most of your time. Keep a smaller kit in your car with water, snacks, a first aid kit, and a flashlight so you have supplies if you are away from home when a disaster strikes. If you have a workplace you go to regularly, consider keeping a small kit there too.
How do I know if my kit supplies have expired?
Check expiration dates on medications, food, and first aid supplies when you do your twice-yearly maintenance. Most shelf-stable food lasts one to five years depending on the type. Medications expire on the date printed on the bottle. First aid supplies like antibiotic ointment and pain relief cream also have expiration dates. Replace anything that is expired or damaged.