How-To Guides · Safety
How to Build a Home Emergency Kit (Ready.gov Checklist)
A storm, a power outage, or an emergency could leave you stuck at home for days. A kit you pack now makes that a lot easier. Here's the checklist from Ready.gov.
1. Step 1: Water And Food
Start with water. One gallon per person, per day, for several days. Then several days of food that won't spoil, and a manual can opener.
2. Step 2: Light And News
Add a flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery powered or hand crank radio, so you can hear emergency updates. A phone charger and a backup battery too.
3. Step 3: First Aid And Hygiene
Pack a first aid kit, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and a dust mask. And a whistle, to signal for help.
4. Step 4: Tools
Add a wrench or pliers, plastic sheeting, scissors, duct tape, and local maps.
5. Step 5: Your Own Needs
Then your family's needs. Prescription medicines, glasses, pet food and water, some cash, and copies of important papers, like ID and insurance.
6. Keep It Ready
Store it somewhere cool and dry, that's easy to grab. Replace anything that expires, and look it over once a year, as your family's needs change.
Tools that make this easier
Simple Google Sheets + Excel tools from WiscHaven. Buy once, no subscription.
Sources
Checked against the official sources above. Steps can change as apps update - tell us if something looks different: wischavenindustries@gmail.com