In an emergency, being prepared can make evacuation quicker and less stressful. Building a home emergency kit ahead of time helps ensure essential supplies are readily available if you need to leave your home. The recommendations below cover basic supplies for emergencies and evacuations. For a more comprehensive list of preparedness supplies, see the Home Emergency Management Guide.
The sections below can help you organize your emergency kit by priority, from essential supplies needed by every household to additional items that may be needed based on your family’s circumstances. Most emergency kits can be built gradually over time as supplies are gathered and updated.
Gather Essential Supplies
Start by collecting the basic supplies recommended for all households.
Food and Water
- food (choose nonperishable, easy to prepare, healthy foods; at a minimum, have a 3-day supply)
- water (1 gallon per person per day; at a minimum, have a 3-day supply)
Safety and Communication
- flashlight and extra batteries
- radio: battery-powered or hand-crank radio AND a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather radio with an audible alert
- cell phone with charger and backup battery or emergency charging device
Health and First Aid
- first aid kit
- medications (7-day supply) and required medical devices
Basic Tools
- tools: multipurpose tool, manual can opener, and wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- whistle (to signal for help)
Gather Important Documents
Store copies of important records in a waterproof container. Also consider keeping digital copies in a secure online location in addition to paper copies.
- medication list and relevant medical information
- proof of address
- lease or deed to home
- passports/birth certificates
- insurance policies (home, auto, health, etc.)
- family and emergency contact information
- extra cash
- printed maps of the area
Plan for Your Household’s Unique Needs
Not every household needs the same supplies. Add items that fit your family’s circumstances.
Infants and Young Children
- bottles
- formula and baby food
- diapers
- comfort items
- games and activities for children
Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
- extra medical supplies
- backup batteries for medical equipment
- mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers)
- glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids, etc.
Pets
- food and water (1/2 to 1 gallon of water per pet per day)
- leash or carrier
- identification tags
- vaccination records
- medications
Add Supplies for Extended Emergencies
These items can improve comfort and safety during a prolonged emergency.
Personal Hygiene
- toilet paper
- moist towelettes or disinfecting wipes
- garbage bags
- soap
- hand sanitizer
- masks for everyone ages 2 and above
Clothing and Shelter
- extra clothing, hat, sturdy shoes, and work gloves
- rain gear (waterproof poncho, umbrella, etc.)
- towels
- blankets or sleeping bags
Household Supplies
- matches in a waterproof container
- plastic sheeting, duct tape, and scissors
- tools and supplies to secure your house
- household liquid bleach (unscented)
- mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels disposable utensils
- paper and pencil
Prepare Your Vehicle
A smaller emergency kit in your vehicle can be helpful if you become stranded or need to evacuate quickly.
- water
- canned food and/or energy bars
- first aid kit
- flashlight with extra batteries
- safety light sticks
- blankets or sleeping bags
- jumper cables
- trash bags
- pencil, pen, and paper
- metal whistle with a lanyard or string to hang around your neck
- list of emergency contacts with phone numbers
- weather alert radio
- emergency phone charger
- extra cash and change
Keep Your Kit Ready
- Store in a cool, dry location
- Replace expired items as needed
- Update the kit annually and as personal needs change
- Keep in a designated place in your home and make sure all household members know where it is stored
Visit the Extension Emergency Resources website for additional information and resources.
Reference
Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2026). Build a kit. U.S. Department of Homeland Security. https://www.ready.gov/kit
The original manuscript was prepared by Candace Tucker, former UGA FACS Extension agent, Coweta County; and Pamela R. Turner, retired Professor and Extension housing & indoor environment specialist. Revised in 2026 by Ashlee Tzignuk.
