Just some of the main items you should have in your emergency kit
- Water and water purification tablets (at least a 3 day supply)
- Food Bars (high in calories, but make sure the ingredients are safe for you to eat based on any medical conditions)
- Radio (battery operated or hand cranked)
- Flashlight (preferably one that doesn’t require any batteries)
- Emergency candle (one that will last for 30 hours or more)
- Waterproof matches and lighter
- Whistle (to help rescuers and others find you if you’re stuck in your home or other location)
- Emergency sleeping bag (these are compact and lightweight)
- Lightweight poncho
- Multi-function knife
- Dust mask (N95)
- Hygiene kit ( including items such as toothpaste, toothbrush and deodorant)
- Tissue packs
- First aid kit (including alcohol pads and bandages of varying sizes)
- Entertainment (cards, pencil, notepad)
- Waste bag
- Some cash in case ATM’s aren’t working or available
You should also be sure to add personal items specific to your needs. This can include prescription glasses, contact lenses, medicines you require or any other items you would like to have with you. It is also a good idea to keep a list of emergency contacts and at least a copy of important documents.
Please add your comments here if there are items you think should be added.
Great list for an emergency kit. In our family we call them 72-hour kits and they have been a great way to teach our children about being prepared and knowing what to do in case of an emergency. We also try to go through our kits every couple years to replace anything that may need to be replaced such as clothing, flashlights, etc. From your list I will need to make sure to add a few more things to my kit. Thank You.
What a fantastic list, I have been putting off making an emergency kit mostly because I was not sure what to put in it. I have looked high and low on the web looking for the easiest kit to assemble and by far yours is the best. I live near an REI and know that they have most of these items which I can pick up on my way home tonight. Thank you for making such a great list for us “simpletons”.
I don’t know if it would qualify for a kit but having a small tent is also something you could have ready. Just a suggestion. The whistle idea is brilliant I hadn’t thought of that one I will make sure to add one to my kit.
I agree with Jakob I need to get on the ball on start putting an emergency kit together. I always seem to have some kind of excuse when I have time to put when together and don’t do it. I know that this could come back to haunt me if I don’t take this serious and if caught in an earthquake I only have myself to blame if I’m not prepared. Thank you.
I much like Jakob consider myself a “simpleton” This is just the list I need to get started. Now I just need the motivation to do so.
I think the fear of not being prepared for an earthquake is the only motivation I need. Thank you.
My family much like Mark’s family who commented before also have an Emergency Kit or Kits for each one of our family members. We haven’t had to use them but I know that if the occasion arose where we had too they would be very beneficial in protecting and or saving us.
Thank you.
I agree with other comments this really is a great list. I love to camp so I already have may of the of these things. However, I will need to make sure that alot of these beforementioned items are still good.
I agree with your readers this very well thought out and simple list. Simple I mean in that it won’t take long to put together. Some lists I have found call for things that have you scratching your head, but this one is just right for anyone who needs to put a list together quick. Much like the other comments, We “simpletons” thank you.
Thank you very much for sharing this list. Kudos to you for coming up with an extensive list, but still it seems that this Emergency is easy enough to put up.
I’ll have everything set up for me and my hubby. This is great.