Build Your First Home Emergency Kit

You can start an emergency kit with supplies you already have. Find a bin or duffel bag, gather what you can spare from around the house, and make a short list of what’s missing. This checklist will help you put together a three-day starting kit for a power outage, severe storm, or other disruption.

1. Gather the basics

• Water. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day for three days, for drinking and sanitation. That’s 12 gallons for a household of four. Set aside water for pets, too.
• Food. Pick three days of shelf-stable food your household already eats. Include options you can eat without cooking and a manual can opener if you pack cans.
• Light and updates. Pack a flashlight and spare batteries, plus a battery-powered or hand-crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio alerts.
• First aid. Check that your kit has basics such as bandages and gauze. Replace supplies you’ve used and set aside any personal medical supplies your household needs.
• Phone and hygiene supplies. Pack a charging cable, a charged power bank if you have one, and basics such as wipes, soap and trash bags.
• Household essentials. Add a paper list of important contacts, any needed infant supplies, and food and supplies for pets.

2. Check what you already own

Start with your pantry, first-aid supplies and spare chargers. Put what you can set aside in one easy-to-reach spot, and tell everyone in your household where it is. Keep water nearby if it’s too heavy for the bin. Put a reminder on your calendar to check dates, test the flashlight and recharge your backup battery.

3. Fill the gaps

If you’re missing something, buy the item your household would need first. These options can supplement what you already have.

Compact first-aid supplies

A 34-piece kit with assorted adhesive bandages and cleansing wipes in a plastic case. See the 34-piece first aid kit.

Backup lighting

A small LED flashlight with a squeeze handle for hand-powered light. See the squeeze-powered flashlight.

Ready-to-eat snack

A six-pack of Millennium food bars to add alongside your pantry food. See the Millennium food bar variety pack.

One thing you can do today

Find your flashlight, make sure it works, and put it somewhere you can reach in the dark. Then pick the next missing item from the list and set a date to check your kit again.

For the full emergency supply list, see FEMA’s emergency supply kit checklist.