Overview
A well-stocked emergency kit can make the difference between chaos and calm during a hurricane. This guide consolidates recommendations from FEMA, the American Red Cross, state emergency management agencies, and hurricane survival experts.
Water & Hydration (Most Critical)
Primary Supply
- 1 gallon per person per day - store at least a 3-day supply (drinking + sanitation); aim for 2 weeks if you can
- Additional water for pets: 1 ounce per pound of pet weight daily
- Store in clean, sealed containers away from direct sunlight
Backup Water Solutions
- Water purification tablets (iodine or chlorine dioxide)
- Portable water filter (LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini)
- Collapsible water containers for filling pre-storm
- Knowledge: Fill bathtubs and sinks before storm arrival
Food & Nutrition
Non-Perishable Food (3-day minimum, 1-2 weeks ideal)
- Canned goods (vegetables, fruits, beans, soups)
- Protein sources (peanut butter, nuts, protein bars, canned meats)
- Dried foods (pasta, rice, instant oatmeal, dried fruits)
- Comfort foods and familiar items for children
- Special dietary items (baby formula, diabetic-friendly foods)
- Pet food (7-day supply minimum)
Food Tools & Accessories
- Manual can opener (essential!)
- Disposable plates, cups, utensils
- Aluminum foil and plastic wrap
- Trash bags for food waste
- Cooler and ice (freeze water bottles pre-storm)
Power & Lighting
Primary Lighting
- LED flashlights (one per person)
- LED headlamps for hands-free operation
- Battery-powered lanterns for area lighting
- Glow sticks (safe for children)
- Extra batteries in all needed sizes
Power Solutions
- Portable battery banks (fully charged)
- Solar chargers for phones
- Car chargers for devices
- Hand-crank radio with phone charger
- Consider: Portable power station or generator
Communication & Information
Stay Informed
- NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Battery or hand-crank AM/FM radio
- Fully charged cell phones with backup batteries
- Downloaded offline maps of your area
- Written list of emergency contacts
- Portable chargers and cables for all devices
Documentation (Waterproof Container)
- Photo IDs and passports
- Insurance policies (home, flood, car, health)
- Bank account and credit card information
- Medical records and prescription information
- Property deeds or rental agreements
- Recent photos of property and belongings
- Birth certificates and social security cards
- USB drive with digital copies of all documents
Medical & First Aid
First Aid Kit Contents
- Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
- Sterile gauze pads and medical tape
- Elastic bandages for sprains
- Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment
- Thermometer
- Tweezers and scissors
- Instant cold compresses
- Disposable gloves
- First aid instruction booklet
Medications & Health Items
- 7-day supply of all prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications:
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
- Anti-diarrheal medication
- Antacids
- Allergy medications
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Prescription eyeglasses/contacts (with supplies)
- Hearing aid batteries
- Medical equipment (CPAP, oxygen, glucometer)
Sanitation & Hygiene
Personal Hygiene
- Toilet paper and paper towels
- Moist towelettes and hand sanitizer
- Soap and shampoo
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Feminine hygiene products
- Disposable razors
- Towels
Sanitation Supplies
- Heavy-duty garbage bags (multiple uses)
- Plastic bucket with tight lid (emergency toilet)
- Disinfectant wipes and bleach
- Disposable gloves
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Safety & Tools
Essential Tools
- Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
- Wrench for gas shut-off
- Hammer and nails
- Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
- Crowbar for debris removal
- Work gloves
- Safety goggles
- Dust masks or N95 respirators
Safety Equipment
- Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (battery)
- Whistle for signaling help
- Reflective vest
- Rope or paracord
- Tarp for temporary roof repairs
Shelter & Comfort
Clothing & Bedding
- Complete change of clothes for each person
- Rain gear and waterproof boots
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
- Emergency blankets (space blankets)
- Plastic sheeting for shelter
Climate Control
- Battery-operated fans
- Cooling towels
- Mosquito netting and repellent
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
Special Considerations
Infant/Baby Needs
- Formula and bottles
- Diapers and wipes (7-day supply)
- Medications
- Pacifiers
- Comfort items
Elderly/Disabled Needs
- Extra medications
- Medical equipment supplies
- Mobility aids
- Hearing/vision aids
- Caregiver contact information
Pet Supplies
- Food and water (7-day supply)
- Bowls and manual can opener
- Medications
- Leash, collar with ID tags
- Carrier or crate
- Vaccination records
- Comfort items
- Cat litter and box
Financial Preparation
Cash & Cards
- Cash in small bills ($500-$1000 recommended)
- Quarters for laundromats or vending machines
- Credit cards and ATM cards
- Checkbook
Important Records
- Insurance cards
- Vehicle registration and insurance
- Emergency contact list
- Map of local area
- Photos of family members (in case of separation)
Vehicle Preparation
Car Emergency Kit
- Jumper cables
- Tire gauge and sealant
- Basic tools
- Emergency flares or reflectors
- First aid kit
- Blanket
- Phone charger
- Maps (paper backup)
Fuel & Fluids
- Keep gas tank at least half full during hurricane season
- Extra motor oil
- Windshield washer fluid
- Coolant
Post-Storm Supplies
Cleanup & Recovery
- Heavy-duty trash bags
- Zip-lock bags (various sizes)
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting
- Rope or bungee cords
- Work gloves
- Boots
- Clean-up supplies
- Camera for insurance documentation
Storage & Maintenance Tips
Kit Organization
- Store in waterproof containers
- Use clear containers for easy identification
- Keep in easily accessible location
- Create a smaller "go-bag" for evacuation
- Distribute supplies between home and car
Annual Maintenance
- Check expiration dates before hurricane season (June 1; May 15 in the eastern Pacific)
- Replace expired medications and food
- Update documents and photos
- Test all battery-powered devices
- Refresh water supply
- Update clothing for growing children
- Verify emergency contact numbers
Quick Checklist for Last-Minute Preparation
When a hurricane watch is issued:
- [ ] Fill bathtubs and containers with water
- [ ] Charge all electronic devices
- [ ] Freeze water bottles for ice
- [ ] Fill vehicle gas tanks
- [ ] Get cash from ATM
- [ ] Fill prescriptions
- [ ] Locate all kit supplies
- [ ] Download offline maps and entertainment
- [ ] Take photos/video of property
Remember
- Quality over quantity - buy reliable items that won't fail when needed
- Consider family members with special needs
- Practice using unfamiliar equipment before the storm
- Share your kit location with all family members
- Consider helping neighbors prepare, especially elderly or disabled
- Start preparing early - supplies sell out quickly when storms threaten
The best time to prepare is now, not when a storm is approaching.