7-Day Preparedness Checklist

emergency kit

Six basics to stock for your home

  • Water
  • Food (including food for pets if you have them)
  • First aid supplies
  • Clothing and bedding
  • Tools and emergency supplies
  • Special items (like medicines or important papers)

Keep items you may need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container, such as a backpack or duffle bag.

Learn how to prepare for emergencies if you have pets.

How much water?

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day. This includes about two quarts for drinking and two quarts for food preparation and sanitation.

  • 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.

Keep at least a seven-day supply (seven gallons per person).

How much food?

Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food.

Choose foods that require little or no refrigeration, preparation or water. If heating is needed, include a fuel source such as sterno.

Select food items that are compact and lightweight, such as:

  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  • Canned juices
  • Staples (salt, sugar, spices, etc.)
  • High-energy foods
  • Vitamins
  • Infant food
  • Comfort foods

Plan for at least three meals per day per person.

Important family documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

  • Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Passports, Social Security cards and immunization records
  • Bank account information
  • Credit card account information and contact numbers
  • Inventory of valuable household goods and important phone numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage and death certificates)

Storage

  • Store your emergency kit in a convenient place known to all family members.
  • Keep a smaller kit in the trunk of your car.
  • Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
  • Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
  • Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
  • Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medication.

Detailed supply lists

Clothing

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

  • Sturdy shoes or work boots
  • Rain gear
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Hat and gloves
  • Thermal underwear
  • Sunglasses

Special items

Include items for family members with specific needs, such as infants, older adults or people with disabilities.

First aid kits for home and car

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each vehicle.

  • Adhesive bandages, various sizes (20)
  • Sterile dressing, 5" x 9" (1)
  • Conforming roller gauze bandage (1)
  • Triangular bandages (2)
  • Sterile gauze pads, 3" x 3" (2)
  • Sterile gauze pads, 4" x 4" (2)
  • Cohesive bandage, 3" roll (1) 
  • Adhesive tape, 2" width (1)
  • Antibacterial ointment (1)
  • Hand sanitizer or germicidal wipes (2)
  • Cold pack (1)
  • Scissors, small (1)
  • Tweezers (1)
  • Non-latex medical grade gloves (2 pairs)
  • CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield (1)

Non-prescription medications

  • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Antacid (for stomach upset)
  • Laxative
  • Activated charcoal (use only if directed by the Poison Control Center)

Important note

Do not use syrup of ipecac. For poisoning emergencies, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Sanitation

  • Toilet paper and towelettes
  • Soap and liquid detergent
  • Feminine supplies
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Plastic garbage bags and ties (for sanitation use)
  • Plastic bucket with a tight-fitting lid
  • Disinfectant
  • Household chlorine bleach

Tools and special supplies

Emergency supplies and tools

  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Utility knife
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
  • Aluminum foil
  • Plastic storage containers
  • Fire extinguisher (small ABC type)
  • Pliers
  • Tape
  • Compass
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Paper and pencil
  • Needles and thread
  • Medicine dropper
  • Signal flare
  • Whistle
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Tube tent
  • Shut-off wrench (for gas and water)
  • Emergency preparedness manual
  • Cash, traveler's checks and change
  • Local map (for locating shelters)

Personal and special needs

 

For infants

  • Formula
  • Diapers
  • Bottles
  • Powdered milk
  • Medications

For adults

  • Prescription medications (including heart, blood pressure and insulin)
  • Denture supplies
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Extra eyeglasses

Comfort items

  • Games and books
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