Find an Agent

Emergency Supply Kit

The American Red Cross says there should be enough supplies for each family member for three days, and that kits should be checked every six months. Emergency supplies should include:

• At least three gallons of water per person, which is a three-day supply for drinking and for food preparation and sanitation. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles and change the supply every six months so it stays fresh. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.


• At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. Make sure you pack a can opener and a utility knife. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; canned juices; staples such as salt, sugar, pepper and spices; high energy foods; vitamins; food for infants; and comfort foods. Replace your stored food every six months.


• A first aid kit for your home and motor vehicle. It should contain 20 adhesive bandages of various sizes, one 5 inch by 9 inch sterile dressing, one conforming roll of gauze, two triangular bandages, two 3 inch by 3 inch sterile gauze pads, two 4 inch by 4 inch sterile gauze pads, one roll of 3-inch wide cohesive bandage, two germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer, six antiseptic wipes, two pair of large medical grade non-latex gloves, 2-inch wide adhesive tape, anti-bacterial ointment, a cold pack, scissors, tweezers and a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation breathing barrier such as a face shield.


• Non-prescription drugs such as aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, syrup of Ipecac to use to induce vomiting if advised to do so by the Poison Control Center (PCC), a laxative and activated charcoal to use if instructed to do so by the PCC.


• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils.


• Cash or traveler's checks and change.  


• Small canister ABC type fire extinguisher.


• A tube tent.


• Pliers and a shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water.


• Tape.


• A compass.


• Matches in a waterproof container.


• Aluminum foil.


• Signal flare.


• Paper and pencil.


• Needles and thread.


• Medicine dropper.


• Whistle.


• Plastic sheeting.


• Toilet paper and towelettes.


• Soap and liquid detergent.  


• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.  


• Plastic garbage bags, with ties.  


• A plastic bucket, with a tight lid.


• Disinfectant.


• Household chlorine bleach.


• Entertainment items such as games, books, compact discs and a portable music device.


• Protective clothing and rainwear. Have at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person; sturdy shoes or work boots; hat and gloves; thermal underwear and sunglasses.


• Bedding or sleeping bags.


• A battery-powered radio and flashlight, with extra batteries.


• Special items for infants, the elderly or handicapped family members.


• Instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so.


• Keep items in airtight plastic bags or containers and re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year, replacing batteries and updating clothes.