After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on scene — but they cannot reach everyone immediately. Basic services may be cut off for days or weeks. You need to be self-sufficient.
Two things to prepare:
- Home supply: At least a 2-week supply of food and water stored at home.
- Go-bag (Disaster Supplies Kit): A 3–7 day supply in portable containers near your exit door, ready to grab when you need to evacuate quickly.
Go-Bag Checklist
Store items in sturdy, clearly labeled containers — duffel bags, backpacks, or covered bins work well.
Food & Water
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Canned juice, milk, and soup
- Trail mix, energy bars, peanut butter, crackers
- Freeze-dried or dehydrated foods (note: require water to prepare)
- Comfort foods: hard candy, sweetened cereals
- Instant coffee and tea
- Nonperishable pet food
- Water: 3–7 gallons per person (½ gallon/day drinking + ½ gallon/day cooking & sanitation)
Light & Power
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable battery-operated or hand-crank AM/FM radio
- Portable charger or solar charger for phones and devices
- Waterproof matches
Health & Medical
- First Aid Kit (see specific recommendations)
- Prescription and non-prescription medications (at least a week’s supply)
- Medical necessities: walker, oxygen, etc.
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing aid batteries
- Denture needs, contact lens supplies
Documents & Money
- Copies of personal ID, insurance policies, bank information, title documents, and especially any difficult to replace documents (e.g. foreign birth certificates). Related to this, you may want to scan and upload in encrypted form your crucial documents and store them in a secure location.
- Cash and coins (ATMs may not work)
- Extra car and house keys
- Map of the area with emergency locations marked
Clothing & Shelter
- One complete change of clothing and sturdy footwear per person
- Rain gear, hat, gloves
- Thermal underwear for cold conditions
- Blankets or sleeping bag; space blankets
- Small tent and camping gear (stove, fuel, air mattress, compass)
Tools
- Manual can opener and mess kit
- Utility knife or multi-tool
- Small ABC fire extinguisher
- Whistle, compass, small shovel
- Work gloves, dust mask, safety glasses, ear plugs, insect repellent
Sanitation
- Toilet paper, paper towels
- Soap, hand sanitizer, personal hygiene items
- Heavy-duty plastic garbage bags, disinfectant, household bleach
- Small plastic bucket with tight lid
Children
- Formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications
- Books, games, comfort items
On Your Phone
- Contact info for family, friends, neighbors, coworkers
- Insurance, medical, and roadside service contacts
- Manuals for generators, radios, chainsaws
- Local and county emergency numbers
- Apps: first aid, pet first aid, county alerts, Watch Duty, Ham radio repeater directory
Food Supply Tips
- Keep a 2-week supply at home using items you normally eat. Rotate using first-in, first-out.
- Choose foods that need no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking where possible.
- Avoid very salty foods — they increase thirst and your water supply may be limited.
- Avoid high-fat, high-protein foods when water is scarce — they require more water to metabolize.
If Refrigeration Fails
- Use perishables from the refrigerator first.
- Then freezer food — a well-insulated, well-filled freezer will hold food safely for at least two days.
- Finally, use nonperishable foods.
Water Storage
- Store at least 3–7 gallons per person, in commercially bottled water if possible.
- To prepare your own: use clean 2-liter plastic soda bottles. Sanitize with diluted bleach, fill with tap water, date and store in a cool dark place. Replace every 6 months.
- Do not use glass or milk/juice containers.
- Store separately from food to prevent leakage damage.
Kit Maintenance
- Check expiration dates on food and water regularly.
- Review and update the kit at least once a year: replace batteries, update medications and clothing sizes.
- Ask your doctor about building a prescription medication reserve.
- Practice — involve your children so they know where everything is.