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Build an Emergency Supply Kit


In the event of an emergency or disaster, you may need access to food for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other essential supplies to last for at least three days. To assemble a supply kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire supply kit into one or two easy to carry containers. In some disasters, you may be safer staying at home. In the event that you need to evacuate, make sure that emergency supply kit with you. 

The following items should be included in your emergency supply kit. 
Food Service Needs
  • Drinking Water (one gallon per day per person for 7 days)
  • Non-Perishable Food
  • Manual Can Opener
  • Juice/Soft Drinks/Instant Coffee or Tea/Dry Milk
  • Lighter/Waterproof Matches
  • Pots/Pans/Cooking Utensils
  • Aluminum Foil, Disposable Plates, Cups and Cutlery
  • Plastic Wrap/Ziplock Bags/ Garbage Bags
  • Cooler for Food Storage
  • Cooler to Transport Ice
Personal Items
  • Sleeping Bagsand or Pillows and Blankets
  • Lawn Chairs/Folding Chairs
  • Hot and Cold Weather Clothing
  • Sturdy Closed-Toe Work Shoes
  • Rain Gear
  • Personal Hygiene (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc.)
  • Medications (prescription and non-prescription)
  • Spare Eyeglasses
  • Hearing Aids
  • Entertainment (cards, books, quiet games)
  • Baby/Infant Needs (diapers, formula, baby food, etc.)
Basic Safety Equipment
  • NOAA Weather Radio
  • First Aid Kit With Instruction Book
  • Battery Powered Television, Radio, and Clock
  • Flashlights
  • Battery Powered Lanterns
  • Extra Batteries and Car Chargers for Electronics
  • Whistle (to signal for help if needed)
Basic Tools
  • Basic Tool Kit (hammer, wrenches, etc.)
  • Specialized Tools (for water, gas valves, etc.)
  • Plastic Tarps or Roll Plastic Sheeting
  • Assorted Screws and Nails
  • Duct Tape
  • Canvas or Leather Work Gloves
  • Fire Extinguisher
Pet/Service Animal Needs
  • Water (one gallon per day for each animal)
  • Food and Treats 
  • Food and Water Bowls 
  • Medications 
  • Vaccination and Registration Records 
  • Collar or Harness with ID Tag, Rabies Tag and Leash 
  • Cat Litter and Tray 
  • Plastic Bags for Pet Waste 
  • Current Photo of You and Your Pets 
  • Comfort Items (toys, bedding) 
  • Cage or Carrier for Each Animal
Sanitation/Clean Up Supplies
  • Unscented Bleach 
  • Water For Cleaning 
  • Assorted Cleaners 
  • Rubber Gloves 
  • Brushes, Brooms and Mops 
  • Towels and Rags 
  • Plastic Garbage Bags 
  • Bucket with Lid for Emergency Toilet 
  • Toilet Paper/Paper Towels 
  • Wet Wipes and Waterless Hand Sanitizer
Miscellaneous Items
  • Spare Keys 
  • Pen/Pencils and Paper 
  • Important Documents (identification, insurance policies, and account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container) 
  • Keepsakes, Significant Photos 
  • Coins, Cash, and Credit Cards 
  • Maps and Evacuation Information 
  • Important Phone Numbers 
  • Two-Way Radios
COVID-19 Specific Items
  • Hand Sanitizer 
  • Gloves 
  • Face Covering 
  • Disinfecting Wipes

Maintain Your Kit

FOOD STORAGE: Store canned food in a cool, dry place and boxed food in plastic or metal containers.

CHECK AND REPLACE: Regularly check the date on items in your kit, such as food, medications, and batteries, and replace expired items as needed.

UPDATE: Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

  • Download a printable emergency supply kit featuring JaxReady mascot Cricket at this hyperlink.
  • Visit this hyperlink to create a digital emergency supply kit with Cricket.