Red Cross Recommendations: A Survival Kit

At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below:

  •  Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  •  Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
  •  Flashlight [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Extra batteries
  •  First aid kit [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
  •  Multi-purpose tool
  •  Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies).
  • Cell phone with chargers. Family and emergency contact information
  •  Extra cash
  •  Emergency blanket [Available on the Red Cross Store]
  •  Map(s) of the area
To safely store water:  Thoroughly wash plastic soda bottles or milk jugs with warm, soapy water. Use containers with screw-on tops. Sanitize the container by putting one teaspoon of household liquid bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) in one gallon of water. Pour this solution in the container and leave it there for two minutes.

How to Store Water for Drinking or Cooking – Penn State Extension

https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-store-water-for-drinking-or-cooking

Additional needs may include:

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit:

  • Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc)
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Games and activities for children
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Two-way radios
  • Extra set of car keys and house keys
  • Manual can opener

Additional supplies to keep at home or in your survival kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:

  • Whistle
  • N95 or surgical masks
  • Matches
  • Rain gear
  • Towels
  • Work gloves
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Duct tape
  • Scissors
  • Household liquid bleach
  • Entertainment items
  • Blankets or sleeping bags

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies