• Food—a three-day supply in the kit and at least an additional four-day supply readily accessible for use if you are confined to home. You may want to consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water in your home.(See “Stocking and Storing Food and Water” and “Food and Water Safety During/Post Disaster”)
• Water—three gallons per person in the kit and an additional four gallons per person readily accessible for use if you are confined to home. (See “Storing Food and Water Safely”) and “Food and Water Safety During/Post Disaster”)
• Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra, fresh batteries.
• Flashlight and extra, fresh batteries.
• First aid kit. (See “First Aid Kit Contents”)
• Medications—Prescription and non-prescription that are regularly used. Check with your physician or pharmacist on storage requirements
• Cash and coins.
• Copies of personal identification, such as driver's licenses, passports, and work identification badges, and copies of medical prescriptions and credit cards.
• An extra set of car keys and house keys.
• Matches in a waterproof container.
• Map of the area marked with places you could go and their telephone numbers.
• Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk, and medications not requiring refrigeration.
• Special items, such as denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses, and hearing aid batteries.
• Items for seniors, disabled persons, or anyone with serious allergies.
• Kitchen accessories: manual can opener; mess kits or disposable cups, plates, and utensils; utility knife; sugar and salt; aluminum foil and plastic wrap; reseal-able plastic bags.
• Household liquid bleach.
• For each person, one complete change of clothing and footwear, including sturdy work shoes or boots, raingear, and other items adjusted for the season, such as hat and gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses, dust mask.
• Blankets or sleeping bag for each person.

• Small tent, compass, small shovel.
• Paper, pencil; needles, thread; small A-B-C-type fire extinguisher (See “Fire Extinguishers”); medicine dropper; whistle; emergency preparedness manual.
• Sanitation and hygiene items: toilet paper, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm, sunscreen, plastic garbage bags (heavy-duty) and ties (for personal sanitation uses), medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach.
• Entertainment, such as games and books. Favorite comfort dolls, stuffed animals for small children.
• Roll of duct tape (10 millimeters thick) and scissors.
• Plastic sheeting pre-cut to fit shelter-in-place room openings.

• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book also is good to include. (See “First Aid Kit for Pets”)
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets cannot escape. A carrier should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you have taken shelter away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items.
• Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.
• Food and water for at least three days for each pet, bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a manual can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and telephone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
• Pet toys and the pet’s bed, if you can easily take it, to reduce stress.
• Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.

• Observe the expiration or “use by” date on stored food and water. If you have prepared you own containers of water, replace them every six months to ensure freshness.
• Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update medicines, clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. You may find that the best solution is to gradually acquire a reserve by refilling prescriptions a little early, but always using those on hand first to avoid having the expiration dates lapse. Be sure they are stored to meet instructions on the label. It may be difficult to obtain prescription medications during a disaster because stores may be closed or supplies may be limited. Keep copies of essential prescriptions with you at all times.
• Use easy-to-carry containers for the supplies you would most likely need for an evacuation. Label them clearly. Think about using:

• Store water separately to prevent damage from leakage.
• Always keep your cell phone with you, if you have one. Do not pack it in the kit.  Consider getting an extra cell phone battery to keep with your Disaster Supplies Kit.