Emergency Supply Kits
Everyone should prepare an Emergency Supply Kit to assist them through a crisis. Not all services and items will be immediately available following a large emergency.
You should have an Emergency Supply Kit in your home, office, residence hall and car. Your Emergency Supply Kit can be stored in a bag or a plastic tub. Having acquired all items listed below, the supply kit will weigh approximately 6–8 lbs.
General Supply List
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Toiletries (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces)
- Prescription and non-prescription medications.
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant supplies (formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream)
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
Additional Items for Vehicles
In addition to the items listed above for your Emergency Supply Kit, you should have the following items in your vehicle:
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Flashlight
- Ice scraper
- Car cell phone charger
- Blankets (consider mylar blankets)
- Map
- Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)
- Shovel
- Seatbelt cutter
- Paper/pencil
- Battery operated radio
- First aid kit
- Food/water
- Plastic bags (large and small)
If you need to evacuate your dorm room, office or home during an emergency, take your emergency supply kit with you. Remember to take your keys, identification, wallet/purse, and cell phone.
Printable Emergency Preparedness Lists
- Emergency Supply List from Ready.gov
- Prepare Your Pets for Disasters from Ready.gov
