Emergency Go Bags & Stay Kits
Emergency supply kits are critical after an emergency or disaster strikes. They help you to survive on your own for 72 hours until help arrives. Two emergency supply kits you should include in your emergency planning are:
Go Bag
A Go Bag is an emergency supply kit for when you are required to evacuate. Go Bags should include important documents such as your homeowner’s insurance, birth certificates, and pictures. You may also want to consider keeping a paper contact list in your Go Bag in case communication networks become disrupted. Additional items to consider include water bottles, prescription medication, an extra pair of eyeglasses, contacts and contact solution, a first aid kit, granola bars, and non-perishable foods.
Stay Kit
A Stay Kit is an emergency supply kit for when you are required to stay inside your home. Building a Stay Kit requires a waterproof container to store your important documents, including your homeowner’s insurance, deeds, birth certificates, and pictures. You may also want to consider keeping a paper contact list if there is a power disruption. Other items to consider are non-perishable foods, granola, prescription medication, an extra pair of eyeglasses, contacts and contact solution, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.
Download the Emergency Supply Check List
Basic Supplies Check List
- Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional Supplies to Consider
- Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children