Emergency Kit Plan
Printable emergency kit checklist: United States
United States advice: several days. We start at 3. Change it if you want more.
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At home
Water
1 gallon for each person each day
The source says this water is for drinking and for some other uses.
- People in your home
- Days
- Total to keep
- 1 gallon jugs
- 5 gallon containers
Food
3 meals a day for each adult and child. This count is ours, not official advice.
Cans
- Canned beans
- Soup
- Canned fish
- Canned meat
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
Packages and jars
- Crackers
- Peanut butter
- Breakfast cereal
- Shelf-stable milk
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Granola bars
Needs heat or boiled water
- Rice, pasta or noodles
- Oatmeal
Count these only if you can cook without utility power.
Light and warmth
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person (optional)
- Complete change of clothing and sturdy shoes (optional)
- Matches in a waterproof container (optional)
News and contact
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
- Paper and pencil (optional)
Health and hygiene
- First aid kit
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes (optional)
- Prescription medications (optional)
- Non-prescription medications (optional)
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution (optional)
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items (optional)
Papers and money
- Cash or traveler's checks (optional)
- Important family documents (optional)
Tools and cooking
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Fire extinguisher (optional)
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils (optional)
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children (optional)
Baby
If you have a baby
- Infant formula and bottles (optional)
- Diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream (optional)
Pets
If you have pets
- Pet food (optional)
- Extra water for your pet (optional)
Numbers to call
Official lists used: US government, FEMA Ready campaign, Build A Kit, read November 12, 2026.Emergency Kit Plan
Emergency Kit Plan
United States
Grab bag
Grab bag
A grab bag is for when you have to leave home in a hurry. If you have more time to leave, you can use your home kit.
Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly.
US government, FEMA Ready campaign, Build A Kit, read November 12, 2026.
The US checklist we use has no grab bag list. This one is from Ireland's booklet: Government of Ireland, Office of Emergency Planning (Department of Defence), Be Emergency Ready: information and advice in case of emergencies, read November 12, 2026.
- Medication and hygiene items
- Warm and waterproof clothing
- Your mobile phone and charger
- Personal identification and key documents
- Cash and debit or credit cards, if possible
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Numbers to call
Official lists used: US government, FEMA Ready campaign, Build A Kit, read November 12, 2026.Emergency Kit Plan