Create an Emergency Kit

Are you prepared?

Safety Kit For the House

Be prepared for storm season, power outages and other seasonal weather. Here’s what to include:

  • Gallon jugs of water (at least one per person for at least three days)
  • Sunscreen and bug spray
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Aloe vera gel (or other sunburn soothers)
  • A fully stocked first aid kit
  • Dried or canned food (for at least three days)
  • Can opener
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • A few extra rolls of paper towels
  • Infant food or formula (if needed)
  • Pain relief items and other necessary medication
  • Spare cell phone charger, preferably one that works without a power outlet
  • Battery or hand crank–powered weather radio
  • Blankets (one for each person)
  • Tool kit
  • Duct Tape
  • Local Maps
  • Deck of cards, coloring book, cross-word puzzle book, or a book. (these items will help pass the time)
  • Snow removal tools – gloves, shovels, deicer
  • Small denominations of cash
  • Safety Masks
  • Extra trashbags

This kit should be stored in a large plastic tote or a bag in an easily accessible place.

Don’t forget to create a file of all the important documents you should have in your kit or go-bag.

HOUSEHOLD IDENTIFICATION

  • Vital records (birth, marriage, divorce certificate, adoption, child custody papers)
  • Passport, driver’s license Social Security card, green card, military service identification, other
  • Pet ownership papers, identification tags

FINANCIAL AND LEGAL DOCUMENTATION

  • Housing: lease or rental agreement, mortgage, home equity line of credit, deed
  • Vehicle: loan documents, VIN, registration, title
  • Other Financial Obligations: utility bills, credit cards, student loans, alimony, child support, elder care, automatic payments such as gym memberships
  • Financial Accounts: checking, savings, debit cards, retirement, and investment
  • Insurance Policies: homeowners, renters, auto, life, flood, appraisals, photos, and lists of valuable items
  • Sources of Income: pay stubs, government benefits, alimony, child support
  • Tax Statements: Federal/state income tax returns, property tax, vehicle tax
  • Estate Planning: will, trust, power of attorney

MEDICAL INFORMATION

  • Health/dental insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA health benefits
  • List of medications, immunizations, allergies, prescriptions, medical equipment and devices, pharmacy information
  • Living will, medical power of attorney
  • Caregiver agency contract or service agreement
  • Disabilities documentation
  • Contact information for doctors/specialists, dentists, pediatricians, veterinarians

EMERGENCY OR HOTLINE CONTACT INFORMATION FOR HOUSEHOLD

  • Employers/supervisors
  • Schools
  • Houses of worship
  • Social service providers
  • Homeowners Associations/Neighborhood Contact

Safety Kit for the Car
Prepare for days at the park, road trips, and impromptu picnics by gathering the following supplies:

  • Water bottles
  • Extra sunblock
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Baby wipes
  • Granola bars or protein bars
  • Bug spray
  • Bandages and other first aid items
  • Aloe vera gel
  • Basic tool kit
  • Duct Tape
  • Deicer
  • Ice Scraper
  • Blanket
  • Change of clothes
  • Extra shoes

Additional Resources