How to Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Are you concerned about the state of your emergency supply kit (or the lack of a kit)? The solution is a lot easier than it seems. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you look at all the possible things you could have in an emergency kit. Your kit can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. That being said, there’s a few basic elements all emergency kits should have.

Water

Each emergency supply kit should have an adequate supply of water. Each person needs about 1 gallon of water per day for at least 3 days. This is just drinking water. Having extra water for cooking is not included in the 1 gallon a day. If you have pets, they’ll also need 1 gallon of water per day.

If you have space for more water, don’t stop at 3 gallons. The ideal water storage should last up to 2 weeks. For a family of 3, this means about 50 gallons of water. Our stackable water storage tank holds 50 gallons of water and is perfect for at home water storage.

Food

Along with a 3 days supply of water, it’s critical that you have a 3 days supply of non-perishable food items. Oatmeal packets, beef jerky, granola bars, canned goods, and other things are great food items to have in storage. These items should be refreshed or exchanged every six months to a year to maintain optimal freshness and usability. It’s no good to have a food storage supply if everything is expired and inedible.

Supplies

Besides food and water, there are some supplies that are necessary for your emergency preparedness kit.

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit
• Emergency Whistle
• Dust mask
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food
• Local maps
• Personal sanitation items (including garbage bags and ties)

Additional items you should consider adding to your emergency supply kit:

• Books, games, puzzles for kids
• Paper and pencil
• Mess kits (or serving ware)
• Feminine hygiene items
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Fire Extinguisher
• Change of clothing
• Sleeping bag
• Blanket and pillow
• Cash
• Water filter
• Important documents
• Pet food and water
• Infant formula and diapers
• Prescription medications or glasses

It’s important that your emergency preparedness kit have some comfort items as well. Getting through a disaster isn’t just about physical survival. Keeping your mental and emotional health up is important as well. If there’s one or two comfort things (like deodorant or shampoo) you want to add to your kit to help you be happier, do it.