Disaster can strike at any time, but if you have a well-stocked survival kit, you can weather the difficult time much more easily. Here’s everything you need to have in your home emergency kit!
Recent natural events have made lots of people think about how to handle an emergency. An emergency could be anything from a highly infectious illness that keeps you quarantined at home to earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, blackouts and more.
Disasters can strike suddenly, and sometimes, without warning. When that happens, it can leave your family without the things you rely on for survival and security.
Do you have everything you would need in a survival kit to handle an emergency? Do you even know what you need to have in an emergency kit to be prepared?
Preparation for an emergency means that you have a special stock of items with the necessary supplies in case of an urgent situation or a disaster.
This survival kit should be in an easy-to-get-to spot…it does you no good if you can’t find it because it’s buried under 3 years of junk you’ve been meaning to clean out!
67 Necessary Items For Your Survival Kit
Here are the essential 67 items you need for your home emergency kit. It’s a good idea to have your supplies packed in a conveniently stored portable bag (often called a “go bag”).
Once you look over these lists, take into account any special needs your family may have and plan accordingly.
Basic Supplies to Have on Hand
There are certain basic supplies that every emergency kit should have. Here’s our list:
- At least one flashlight (two is better)
- 3 sets of batteries for each flashlight (check expiration dates and replace as needed)
- Battery-powered radio (or a hand crank radio)
- Whistle
- Multi-tool
- Garbage bags with ties
- Moist towelettes
- Manual can opener to open food
- Local maps
- Wrench to turn off utilities
- Cell phone with charger
- Blankets
- Ponchos with hoods
- Plastic sheeting
- Protective masks
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Lighter
- Extra clothing
- Cash money
- Paper and pencils (in a waterproof container)
- Duct tape
- Rope
- Water purifier
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
First Aid Supplies For Your Survival Kit
Injuries are always a possibility in any emergency situation. Be sure to have supplies and tools on hand to help you treat injuries and infections.
26. Bandages (in a variety of sizes)
27. Sterile pads (in a variety of sizes)
28. Tape
29. Scissors
30. Tweezers
31. Alcohol wipes
32. Sterile gloves
33. Antibiotic cream
34. Corticosteroid cream
35. Burn ointment
36. Antihistamine spray
37. Bug spray
38. Sunscreen
39. Thermometer
40. Acetaminophen
41. Ibuprofen
42. Anti-diarrheal
43. Antacids
44. Laxatives
45. Any prescription medication a family member takes
You may choose to purchase a well-stocked first aid kit rather than compiling all of these items yourself. Just make sure to supplement any items that may be missing in case they are needed in an emergency.
Note: Check (and replace) all supplies on a regular basis to ensure they work and are usable when you need them the most.
Emergency Supplies For Your Emergency Kit
Once you have your basic supplies gathered up, add these items to your survival kit as needed. Some of these items may not apply to your family. In that case, disregard them and only stockpile the supplies you need.
46. Glasses or spare contact lenses
47. Contact lens solution (if needed)
48. Soap
49. Diapers
50. Baby wipes
51. Baby rash cream
52. Important family documents (ex: insurance papers, identification, etc) in a waterproof container
53. Fire extinguisher
54. Feminine supplies
55. Puzzles or activities for kids
Food Supplies to Have Stocked Up
When collecting non-perishable food supplies, make sure that they don’t expire for a very long time. Here are some examples of long-lasting food supplies you should keep stockpiled in case of an emergency.
56. At least one gallon of water per person for at least 3 days
57. Canned food (especially canned meat and fish, veggies, soups,) which lasts longer than food in pouches – enough for at least 3 days
58. Food and water for any pets in the home
59. Baby formula and water for any babies in the house
60. Dried cereal
61. Peanut Butter
62. Crackers
63. Dried fruit
64. Nuts
65. Powdered milk
66. Granola bars
67. Protein bars
Tips For Maintaining Your Survival Kit
Assembling your emergency kit is only the first step!
Once you have everything gathered and stored in a safe, easy-to-find location, you need to check it at least once a year to ensure that it’s always ready to go when you need it most.
Follow these steps when checking your kit:
- Check all items for expiration dates and replace anything that has expired or will in the next 30 days.
- Recheck your list of supplies each year and update your survival kit as your family’s needs change (ex: baby supplies, etc).
Where to Store Your Family Emergency Kit
The thing about emergencies is that you never know when or where they will occur. Because of this, it’s important to have supplies available both in your home and in your car.
Home Survival Kit: Keep your survival kit always in the same location and make sure that each family member knows where to find it. Always keep your “go bag” ready to take with you in case you need to leave quickly.
Car Emergency Kit: Keep a kit of emergency supplies accessible in your car in case you get stranded somewhere.
For more information, grab a free downloadable Family Emergency Checklist PDF!
Emergencies can happen at any time and in any place. With some advance planning and packing your survival kit, you can be in a good position to handle any emergency that comes your way.
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