Emergency kit checklist for families
Official guidanceThis guide summarizes official guidance. It does not replace instructions from local officials. In the United States, call 911 in an emergency. If your 911 call does not go through.
How much to store
- Ready.gov recommends about one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.[1]
- Ready.gov recommends at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food.[1]
- The American Red Cross recommends a 3-day supply of food and water if you evacuate, and a 2-week supply at home.[2]
- The Red Cross calls these a "Go-Kit" (about 3 days, easy to carry) and a "Stay-at-Home Kit" (about 2 weeks).[3]
- The Red Cross recommends a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container.[3]
Basic kit (Ready.gov)
- Water[1]
- Non-perishable food[1]
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert[1]
- Flashlight[1]
- First aid kit[1]
- Extra batteries[1]
- Whistle to signal for help[1]
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air[1]
- Plastic sheeting, scissors, and duct tape to shelter in place[1]
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation[1]
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities[1]
- Manual can opener[1]
- Local maps[1]
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery[1]
Extra items to consider (Ready.gov)
- Soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes[1]
- Prescription medications[1]
- Non-prescription medicines such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids, and laxatives[1]
- Prescription glasses and contact lens solution[1]
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream[1]
- Pet food and extra water for pets[1]
- Cash[1]
- Important family documents (insurance, ID, bank records), saved electronically or in a waterproof container[1]
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person[1]
- A complete change of clothes for your climate, plus sturdy shoes[1]
- Fire extinguisher[1]
- Matches in a waterproof container[1]
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items[1]
- Paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils[1]
- Paper and pencil[1]
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children[1]
Items the Red Cross adds
Bed kit for earthquake areas
- The Red Cross suggests a Bed-Kit with sturdy shoes, a flashlight, glasses, a dust mask, and a whistle.[4]
Keep your kit ready
How much water for your family
Ready.gov recommends about one gallon of water per person per day.[1] The Red Cross recommends a 3-day supply if you evacuate and a 2-week supply at home.[2] Multiplied out, that is:
| People | Go-kit (3 days) | Stay-at-home kit (2 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6 gallons | 28 gallons |
| 3 | 9 gallons | 42 gallons |
| 4 | 12 gallons | 56 gallons |
| 5 | 15 gallons | 70 gallons |
| 6 | 18 gallons | 84 gallons |
This is our arithmetic from the figures above, not a separate rule. Pets need extra water too.[1]
Family checklist: items for students, babies and pets
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children[1]
- A complete change of clothes and sturdy shoes for each person[1]
- A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person[1]
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream[1]
- Family and emergency contact information[2]
- Pet food and extra water for pets[1]
Make the kit a family job: let each student pack their own comfort items, and practice your family emergency plan together.
Questions families ask
What should be in a family emergency kit?
Ready.gov's basic kit: water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a whistle, a dust mask, a manual can opener, local maps and a phone with chargers and a backup battery.[1]
How much water should be in an emergency kit?
Ready.gov recommends about one gallon per person per day for several days.[1] For a family of four, a 3-day go-kit is 12 gallons.
What is the difference between a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit?
The Red Cross calls a portable kit of about 3 days a Go-Kit, and a kit of about 2 weeks a Stay-at-Home Kit.[3]
How often should I check our emergency kit?
Ready.gov says to replace expired items as needed and to rethink your needs every year, updating the kit as your family changes.[1]
Sources
Last checked: October 26, 2026. Each numbered source below was opened and checked on the date shown. Numbers in brackets in the text, like [1], point to this list.
- [1] Ready.gov (FEMA), Build a Kit
- Published by
- Ready.gov (FEMA)
- Level
- U.S. federal government
- Found at
- www.ready.gov/kit
- Checked
- Oct 26, 2026
- [2] American Red Cross, Survival Kit Supplies
- Published by
- American Red Cross
- Level
- Not a government agency (non-governmental organization)
- Found at
- www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html
- Checked
- Oct 26, 2026
- [3] American Red Cross, Wildfire
- Published by
- American Red Cross
- Level
- Not a government agency (non-governmental organization)
- Found at
- www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/wildfire.html
- Checked
- Oct 26, 2026
- [4] American Red Cross, Earthquake
- Published by
- American Red Cross
- Level
- Not a government agency (non-governmental organization)
- Found at
- www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html
- Checked
- Oct 26, 2026
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