Build a Kit

Everyone in your family should have their own Go Bag that contains 72 hours worth of essential supplies.

These kits are collections of supplies needed when an earthquake strikes, or an emergency evacuation is ordered. Personalize kits and keep them where they can easily be reached—at home, in the car, at work or school.

This is particularly important during fire season when a quick getaway may be needed. A backpack or other small bag is best for these kits so that they can be easily carried in an evacuation.

Items in each Go Bag

• Water: 3 bottles.
• Food: 3-day supply.
• Warmth/Shelter: emergency blanket, 3 12-hour body warmers, poncho.
• Medical Supplies: first aid/medical kit, pain reliever, 3 pairs of medical gloves, and a 3-7 day supply of any required life-saving medications as well as copies of prescriptions. Also include an N95 and/or Cloth Mask and hand sanitizer.
• Lighting: flashlight with batteries or crank flashlight.
• Radio: hand-cranked or battery-operated radio (and spare batteries), and a NOAA Weather Radio to receive alerts and warnings.
• Support Supplies: whistle, pair work gloves, sturdy shoes, change of clothes, 3 face masks, pack of Wet Wipes, pocket tissue package, 30-gallon plastic bag, 3 10-gallon plastic bags.
• Packaging: 1 bag, backpack, or bucket with handle.

Other Items to Consider

• Medical consent forms and medical information for dependents or minors.
• Copies of important documents – including identification, insurance cards, deeds.
• Spare eyeglasses and personal hygiene supplies.
• Emergency cash.
• List of emergency contact phone numbers including out-of-state contact.
• Comfort item such as a game or teddy bear.

To assemble your kit store items in one bag, backpack, or bucket with handle.

Emergency preparedness kits for the home (Shelter in Place) should contain a minimum of 2 weeks worth of emergency supplies.

Items in your Home Preparedness Kit

• Water: minimum 1 gallon per person, per day.
• Food: canned and packaged foods and cooking utensils, including a manual can opener.
• Warmth/Shelter: items to protect you from the elements such as warm clothing, sturdy shoes, extra socks, blankets, and perhaps even a tent.
• Medical Supplies: first aid/medical kit including pain reliever, and a 2 week supply of any required life-saving medications supplies.
• Lighting: light sticks and (or) a working flashlight with extra batteries and light bulbs (hand-powered flashlights are also available).
• Radio: hand-cranked or battery-operated radio (and spare batteries), and a NOAA Weather Radio to receive alerts and warnings.
• Support Supplies: heavy-duty Plastic Bags for waste and to serve other uses (such as tarps and rain ponchos), work gloves, and protective goggles.
• Hygiene Items: such as soap, toothpaste, and toilet paper.
• Pet Supplies: pet food and pet restraints.
• Documents: copies of vital documents, such as insurance policies, copies of prescriptions, and personal identification.
• Tools: wrench to shut off gas, and a multi-purpose tool.

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

Emergency preparedness kits for the car should contain a minimum of 24-hours worth of emergency supplies.

Items in your Vehicle Preparedness Kit

• Water: (3) 8 oz. boxes or pouches of water (5-year shelf life).
• Food: (3) meal size energy bars (5-year shelf life).
• Warmth/Shelter: (1) emergency blankets, (2) 12-hour body warmers, (1) emergency poncho.
• Medical Supplies: (1) first aid/medical kit, (1) medical gloves set.
• Lighting: flashlight with batteries, (6) light sticks.
• Support Supplies: whistle, work gloves, dust mask, pack wet wipes, 30-gallon plastic bag, waterproof matches, multifunction tool.

To assemble your kit store items in one bag or bucket with handle.

Replace perishable items like water, food, medications, and batteries on a yearly basis. Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your needs change.