Pack a Kit

Two kits, a go-bag and family kit, for minimum survival of 3 to 5 days

Note: Print this page to use as a shopping list!

Goal 

Everyone should have disaster survival and first aid supplies readily accessible at home, in the car, and at the workplace. Providing first aid and having proper supplies will save lives, will make life more comfortable, and help you cope if electricity, water, transportation, and other vital systems are disrupted for several days or longer following a disaster. Inspect and restock perishable items such as water, food, medications, and batteries annually. Remember to replace any items you use as soon as you can.

Action Steps

Go-Bag for Work & Car:

(A small backpack works best)

  • Water bottle(s)
  • Medications, RX list, and doctor's contact information
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Pocket knife with can opener
  • Examination gloves (non-latex)
  • Dust mask (N95 minimum)
  • Safety goggles and work gloves
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Battery-operated emergency radio (or hybrid hand-crank model)
  • Whistle (for alerting rescuers)
  • Sturdy shoes
  • High-calorie energy bars
  • Toiletries
  • Personal hygiene supplies
  • Copies of personal identification (drivers license, work ID card)
  • Maps showing evacuation routes for workplace, home, and schools

Household Disaster Supplies

(Keep together in a large container)

  • Water (enough for 1 gal/person/day for 3 to 5 days or longer)
  • Water purification tablets (see emergency section of your phone book for water purification method using liquid, unscented, regular household bleach)
  • Work gloves
  • Dust mask (N95 minimum)
  • Safety goggles
  • Wrench for gas shut off
  • Portable radio (battery/hand-crank models sold at the Red Cross Store)
  • Flashlights, batteries, and light sticks
  • Heavy-duty plastic bags
  • Canned and packaged foods
  • Stove for outdoor use only (camping or charcoal style) with fuel, matches
  • Can opener
  • Pet food and pet supplies including restraints such as a leash or travel carrier
  • Sleeping bags and blankets
  • Copies of vital documents (life insurance, medical, hazard insurance policies)

First Aid Supplies

(Full kit for home and basic kit for your Go-Bag)

  • Examination gloves (non-latex)
  • Sterile dressings and tape
  • Cleansing agent and moist towelettes
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Adhesive bandages
  • Eye wash solution
  • Prescription medications
  • Pain-reliever, antidiarrheal, and antacid medications
  • Tweezers
  • Scissors
  • Muslin strips
  • First Aid manual

Useful Links