Be ready by preparing emergency supply kits with enough essentials to support your family and pets for at least three days. Store your kits in accessible locations and update them at least twice a year to keep items fresh and relevant to the season and your family’s needs.
Prepare the following types of kits:
- Shelter-in-Place Kit: A full supply kit stored securely in your home or office.
- Evacuation “Go Bag”: A portable kit you can quickly grab if you need to leave.
- Vehicle Kit: A compact kit kept in your car in case you’re stranded.
- Have at least a 3-day supply of water and non-perishable food
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and supplies
- Medications for at least one week and copies of prescriptions
- Medical equipment, assistive technology, and back-up batteries
- First aid kit and antibiotic ointment
- Sunblock
- Extra warm clothing
- Sturdy shoes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Antibacterial soap and disinfectant
- Paper towels, toilet paper, and towelettes
- Bleach and rubbing alcohol
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Books, puzzles, and favorite stuffed toys
- Photo albums
- Valuables and jewelry
- Flashlight and batteries
- Multipurpose tool
- Emergency cash funds to sustain your family for several days at a minimum.
- Plan for funds to cover fuel, lodging, and meal expenses, as well as pet boarding costs if you’re asked to evacuate.
- Do not rely on credit card or debit card funds, as critical networks such as the internet or electrical infrastructure may be damaged.
- Before a storm or evacuation, collect and store your critical paperwork in a waterproof storage bag or container. Storing a password-protected backup of your records on a virtual cloud service is also recommended.
- Driver’s license and passports
- Vehicle registration and proof of insurance
- Medical and vaccination records
- Prescription medicine labels
- Birth certificates and social security cards
- Marriage certificates
- Proof of residence (deed or lease)
- Business and personal tax records
- Wills
- Household inventory (photo or video)
- ID tags on collars and microchip pets
- Description and current photo of pets
- Immunization and medical records
- Sufficient water, food, and medicine for at least three days per pet.
- Pet medication, a copy of the feeding and medication schedule for the caregiver, shelter, or boarding staff.
- Serving bowls
- Collar, leash, and a carrier to transport pets safely
- Pet toys and bedding
- Extra cell phone charging devices and batteries
- AM/FM radio
- NOAA Weather Radio with additional batteries