Recently, my state has been on fire.
Again.
And while these fires were about a 30-minute drive, and a mountain away, the one in 2019 was not.
I watched as neighbors evacuated, dropped my kids off at school with smoke looming overhead, and took pictures as the fire got closer and closer.
In the end, our family had to evacuate for health reasons, though we were on “Set” stage, and the next group to evacuate if the fire got any closer. A friend in a city further north housed us.
And I learned a lot.
Like…evacuating with kids sucks.
Evacuation gives you a lot of time to worry and not much else to do.
And…being prepared makes all the difference.
Now I’m watching again, as smoke fills the sky, ash falls down all around us, and my neighbors make the very difficult choices to leave behind most of their lives and flee with what they can.
It is just the start of wildfire season and already the worst on record for my state.
So, I’m going through our evacuation plan and my emergency kits. I’m updating, improving, and adjusting. I’m reminding the kids of plans and how to use the tools in their own emergency kits. I try to do this twice a year, but having a fire so close makes it all a little more real.
What is an Emergency Kit?
An emergency kit is a pre-prepared….something….that holds supplies and necessities that you may need if you are forced to leave your home in an emergency situation. While our state is facing fire right now, situations like flooding, earthquakes, bombings, chemical spills, gas leaks, power outages, and other disasters make having a prepared emergency kit a lifesaver. These kits are also useful for unplanned trips like hospital visits or closed roads that force you to stay in an area longer than expected.
Emergency kits are also known as bug-out bags or 72-hour kits. They should contain all the supplies you need to survive for 72-hours, or three days, if you need to be away from your home. They are often prepared in backpacks or duffle bags, making them easy to transport and organize.
Who Should Have an Emergency Kit?
Everyone.
Each person in your home should have their own kit, packed with supplies specific to them. It should be light enough that they can carry it, strong enough that it will not break, and full enough that it supports you for three days. I
In addition to having a kit at home, our family has a larger kit in each vehicle that holds supplies for the entire family. This way, if we are out and about when disaster strikes (I’ve gotten evacuation orders when I was at Walmart), we have basic supplies that we need.
How Do I Build an Emergency Kit?
The Bag
The first step of building a 72-hour kit is choosing a bag to hold it all. While you may choose to use an old backpack or duffle bag, certain features should be considered. The size of the bag should match the amount of supplies needed and take into consideration the weight you can carry. Hiking bags, for example, often contain an internal frame that simple school backpacks do not. This frame allows for a larger capacity and weight distribution that helps you carry more than a normal bag. Hiking bags also contain several different compartments, allowing for the organization of your supplies, and wide straps, giving you the sturdiness and stability that you may need in the event of an evacuation or situation in which you are stranded in the middle of nowhere.
A backpack isn’t the only option, however. Some people choose to use a large storage tote, a rolling suitcase, a –gallon bucket, or an old cooler to hold their supplies. These options each have advantages and disadvantages that should be weighed when considering you own needs. For example, a rolling suitcase has fewer compartments and cannot easily be rolled in rugged terrain. A cooler is bulky and will take up space, but will hold more items. A storage tote will need to be carried, but can be easily packed into a vehicle.
If you are creating 72-hour kits for the whole family, it’s likely that each member will need a different type of container to put everything in. A 5-year old cannot carry the same type of backpack as a full-grown adult.
Storage is another consideration. An emergency kit should be stored in an area of your home that is easily accessible to everyone in the family, preferably near the door. This way, it can be quickly grabbed as you exit.
In the end, the type of container you use for your 72-hour kit will be unique to you and your needs. However, it should be easy to move around, light enough for you to carry long distances, large enough to hold needed supplies, and very durable. Containers should provide protection from the sun and water (or allow room for waterproofing methods) and allow for a comfortable level of organization.
For adults, our family uses a military-style bag like this one because it is durable, has several different compartments that make organizing easier, and is comfortable to carry, even when it is fully packed. For the kids, the backpack we used is no longer in production. They’ve lasted 15 years, and are ready for a replacement and I’m looking at something like this one. Though it has fewer pockets, it’s durable and the right size for kiddos to carry on their own. It also comes in different colors, making it easy for each child to quickly know which bag is theirs. For the car, we simply purchased a durable duffle bag like this one.
If I were going to splurge on any one aspect of an emergency kit, this would be it. The container you use makes your emergency kit practical and useful or frustrating and useless. In an emergency, I want the least amount of stress possible.
The Supplies
Now that you have something to hold your 72-hour kit supplies, it’s time to gather necessary items. A 72-hour kit should hold everything you need to survive outside of you home for three days. This includes food, water, shelter, clothing, and other emergency items. The table below shows the basic items needed in every 72-hour kit. Note that I said basic. This is a starting point and will likely not meet every need. These supplies will be necessary for each emergency kit.
| Item | Added to my Kit |
| Water (1-3 gallons per person) | |
| Water filter and/or Water Purification drops or tablets | |
| Electrolyte Powder | |
| Food for 3 days (MRE’s, freeze dried meals, non-perishable foods, dehydrated foods, and/or high-calorie emergency food bars) | |
| Can opener (if needed) | |
| Method of cooking (if needed) such as a camp stove | |
| Mess kit (plate/bowl, fork, cup, etc.) | |
| Snacks (e.g. trail mix, jerky, hard candy, crackers) | |
| Shelter (e.g. tarp and rope, tent) | |
| Extra set of clothing or two (warm shirt, pants, underwear, socks) | |
| Matches and/or lighter | |
| Sleeping bag or Warm Blanket | |
| Emergency Blanket | |
| Hand/foot warmers | |
| Poncho | |
| Flashlight and Extra Batteries | |
| Candle and/or Glow Sticks | |
| Dishwashing Soap and Rag | |
| Washcloth | |
| Feminine Hygiene Supplies (if needed) | |
| Sanitizing Wipes | |
| Garbage Bags | |
| Hand Sanitizer | |
| Radio with Batteries (and extra batteries) or alternative power | |
| Whistle | |
| Signal Mirror | |
| Pencil and Notebook | |
| Body Wash or Soap | |
| Toothbrush and Toothpaste | |
| Comb/Brush | |
| Tissues | |
| Razor | |
| Lip Balm | |
| Sunscreen | |
| Shampoo and Conditioner | |
| Toilet Paper | |
| Deodorant | |
| Lotion | |
| First Aid Kit Including: Bandages, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes, fever reducer, pain killer, burn gel, splint, eyewash solution, anti-itch/bug bite ointment, tweezers, blood clotting power/pads, scissors, gloves, first aid and CPR instruction booklet | |
| Items to reduce stress (e.g. comfort blanket or stuffed animal, treat, games, book, small toys, small daily items such as a certain drink mix) | |
| Pocket knife and/or axe | |
| Insect Repellent | |
| Sewing Kit | |
| 50-foot rope | |
| Small Shovel | |
| List of Phone Numbers and/or Addresses (family, emergency numbers, disaster hotlines, hospitals, utility companies, family work numbers, doctors, transportation, banks, Red Cross, schools, work, veterinarian) | |
| Copy of Photo ID, Insurance Cards, Current Family Photo | |
| Masks (N95 are best) | |
| At least $100 in cash (small bills) | |
| Iodine Tablets (2 week supply) | |
| Power bank or solar charger | |
| Duct Tape |
Water
Water is the most important part of your kit. Without water, in 72 hours you will likely be in organ failure. Our house kits include water bottles, as they are easy to carry and can be discarded or refilled as needed. They also include a survival straw, like this one, which filters water as you drink it from the source. In our car, we pack gallon water jugs and a case of individual water bottles.
Anything plastic begins to break down (especially if left in heat or cold) after about 6 months. Be sure to change out water bottles as needed to prevent microplastic contamination.
In a survival situation, the water supply will likely be contaminated. Having water with you will keep you alive until you can boil and/or filter any water you may need. You can also include water purification tablets in your kit as an alternative, or as another option. You can find those here. However, there are many different types, each of which treat water differently. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully.
Electrolyte Powder
In addition to having water, electrolytes can save your life. Water does not replace the minerals and salt that your body loses when sweating. In high-stress situations, you will likely need to balance your electrolytes.
One option is to include Gatorade, Powerade, or another electrolyte option. My family doesn’t do this, as liquid adds weight to the emergency kit. Instead, we include Liquid IV packets. This allows us to add electrolytes to the water we already have without adding a ton of weight. You simply open the packet, pour it into the water bottle, shake, and drink. Additionally, it comes in a variety of flavors and is easy to carry.
Food
Food is easily the most complicated part of an emergency kit because you will have to make some compromises no matter what you choose. You will not be eating homecooked meals worthy of a nice restaurant, but you will have the calories you need to survive. Emergency food comes in many different options and choosing the best one for you and your family takes some trial and error.
Whatever food you put into your emergency kit must be non-perishable, easy to open and cook (or not need to be cooked at all), and in durable packaging. It should also be a balanced-ish mixture of foods. You don’t want to carry around glass jars full of chocolate chips, you want to be fed the nutrients you need in the easiest way possible.
An important thing to remember is- you are packing enough food for three days for each person in each kit. This means at least nine meals, and maybe snacks. While I recommend packing nutrient-rich foods for meals (rather than high-salt, high-sugar, ultra-processed foods), it’s a good idea to include some hard candy or a favorite snack mix to help with stress.
Canned Foods
While foods like canned shredded chicken, tuna, spam, or canned fruit can be used in emergency kits, they are heavy, bulky, and hard to carry. They also require a can opener. My grandmother always packed canned goods in her emergency kit, as there weren’t many other options in her day. If you do go this route, regularly check expiration dates, rotate as needed, and try to balance proteins with fruit and veggies.
Non-Perishable Foods
In addition to canned foods, other non-perishable foods like summer sausages, trail mix, crackers, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, or even freeze-dried entrees can be used. This option allows you to customize every part of the food you include without adding a ton of weight to your pack. It also ensures food will last, reducing the number of times you need to rotate or replace it. As always, be sure to check expiration dates and throw away any food that looks suspiciously like it will make you sick.
If you choose freeze-dried foods, you can make your own with leftovers if you have a freeze dryer. I recommend Harvest Right, as they are smaller and easy to use. If you go this route, the upfront cost is substantial. However, if you plan on using it for other storage options, it can save money in the long run.
Alternatively, you can purchase freeze-dried foods. A great place to start is with a already-made 72-hour kit like this one.
If you choose to include non-perishable items like boxes of rice, mac n’ cheese cups, or noodle bowls, be sure to calculate the additional amount of water needed to cook these and add that to your kit.
The mixture of these foods will depend on personal preference, budget, availability, and space in your kit. However, when collecting food, be sure to include enough for at least nine balanced meals, check expiration dates, and store them properly.
MRE’s
Meals Ready to Eat are a popular option both for hikers and preppers, and for good reason. MRE’s are lightweight, durable, last a long time, and don’t have to be cooked at all (though they can be warmed to improve flavor). MRE’s come in a variety of options from drink mixes, to entrees, sides, and even desserts and are easy to customize to different palates. They are commonly used in the military and the space program and, when used correctly, provide all the necessary calories and nutrients your body needs in a high-stress situation.
The downside to MRE’s is cost. They are more expensive than other options, though they last for up to 10 years when stored properly.
MRE’s can be found in a variety of places (including here), but be sure to check dates as many times they are sold near, or after, their expiration.
High-Calorie Emergency Food Bars
Another option, though likely the least tasty, is a high-calorie ration bar, like the one here. I like to think of these as a human attempt to replace lembas bread from Lord of the Rings. These bars are inexpensive, durable, lightweight, compact, and taste like a cookie. They pack enough calories for a whole day, and require no additional water or cooking, making them a great option for emergency kits.
The only downside of these bars is- they aren’t food. At least not in a normal sense. They give you no variety, don’t always make you feel full (unlike real lembas bread), and are not a balanced meal.
Snacks
I used to be of the opinion that adding snacks to an emergency kit was a waste of space. After all, the food I packed had all the nutrients we needed. Snacks were unpractical and added weight.
And then we evacuated.
In high-stress situations, your body wants to snack. It wants something to do, something that is familiar, something that is comforting.
So, we now each choose three non-perishable snacks and add them to each emergency kit.
We’ve packed hard candies, Slim Jims, Chex Mix, trail mix, pretzels, goldfish, crackers, chocolate bars, fruit snacks, roll-ups, and cookies. Anything that makes us feel a little more at home even if we aren’t.
When they get close to their expiration date we just eat them (its a very sad day) and put in new ones.
A Final Note on Food
Overall, food is very personal and will need to match your needs (e.g. allergies, special diet, etc.). You may choose one of these types, or a mixture of all of them. The important thing is packing enough to keep you alive for three days if needed. In addition to food itself, be sure to include anything you may need for preparation of that food. Extra water, utensils, a mess kit, pots and pans, or an MRE heater can help if you are unable to reach a motel or alternate house and end up camping.
Iodide Tablets
In the event of a radioactive or nuclear emergency, having potassium iodide tablets on hand can literally save your life for years to come. This medication blocks the absorption of radiation by filling your thyroid with “good” iodide, making it impossible to absorb the “bad” iodide released during these events. This not only prevents immediate radiation poisoning, but also many of the cancers and health issues that show up later.
While you should always consult with a medical professional before taking any medication or supplements, once you are cleared, having this on hand will allow you to take it in the moment it is needed, rather than racing against shipping and supply demands during a crisis. For this type of emergency, timing is everything.
Each person in your home should have a 2-week supply of tablets. If they are ever used, they should be taken according to the dosage on the package, and only in emergencies. After the expiration date, they should be rotated out for a fresh supply.
Shelter
Your emergency kit needs to include some type of shelter. In an evacuation, you will need to leave your house, which means you will need a place to stay. Remember, if you are evacuating, your neighbors probably are too, so you can’t always rely on them. It’s a good idea to have several different plans for shelter, allowing you to adjust to the needs and restrictions of different situations.
Evacuation Shelters
In many cases, the American Red Cross or local churches/cities set up an evacuation shelter. This is often a school gym, church, or other large building. Sometimes cots and basic food is supplied. However, shelters take time to set up and fill up quickly. They don’t allow for housing of animals and often have limits on what you can bring in. Shelters also mean you are in a room with dozens of other evacuees. While this is a necessary service, shelters are my last resort in an emergency.
Friends/Family
If you are lucky enough to have friends or family close enough to visit regularly, but not close enough to be evacuated, you may opt to stay with them. In the event of a fire, flood, or gas leak, this option makes sense. In the event of a nuclear war, not so much. However, the comfort of being somewhere nearby without being in danger, having someone to talk to, and being in a place you feel safe and supported, can help immensely. Every family should have a few places they can crash with friends/family in every direction from their house. In turn, offer to be that place for someone else if the need ever arises.
I have been on both ends of this and I am so grateful to a friend who opened their home when we were in need. It was inconvenient for them, but it saved us from an expensive motel stay and got us away from a fire. On the other side, as a host, it is one of the easiest choices I’ve ever made. It was simple, and easy, and made their lives so much less stressful in a crisis. I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again.
One of my favorite things about the town I live in now is the people. During the fire in 2019, thousands of people and animals were evacuated, including farms with livestock. The Red Cross set up a shelter and the fairgrounds nearby were opened up for livestock. Firemen came from around the country to help. Our little town was flooded by people who all needed shelter, food, water, and a place to stay. And…..not one person ended up in the Red Cross shelter. In fact, the Red Cross gave up after a few days and left, because no one was using their services.
The reason – the entire town opened their homes, yards, kennels, and corrals to those in need. Everyone who was evacuated not only had a home in someone’s extra bedroom, or a place to put their trailer in someone’s driveway, but a family (usually complete strangers) who also cooked for them, played board games, and supported them in any way possible. Animals were boarded in grooming and boarding businesses who closed their doors to customers while temporarily housing and caring for evacuees. Livestock found empty pens and corrals on nearby farms that were out of harm’s way. Even the firefighters, who refused shelter in homes and set up a campground in the city center, were flooded with treats, drinks, masks, and gifts to the point that they finally asked the town to stop bringing things.
Creating an online group to organize and communicate with your community can open opportunities for shelter. After that fire, Utah created a Facebook group just for housing animals in a crisis. During a recent fire, I’ve seen dozens of people hook up trailers at the last minute, drive for an hour, load a stranger’s cattle, and take them home for safekeeping until the fire passes. It’s amazing.
Camping Trailers/RV’s
Having a camping trailer or RV is a great way to ensure your family has shelter in an emergency. While it does not fit into an emergency kit backpack, it’s a resource you can prepare ahead of time. Your trailer should be evacuation-prepped at all times. This means supplies are prepped, you have materials like water and propane on hand, and the battery is charged. It also means that you have food prepared, even if it is stored inside the house. worked to stock it up with essentials, basically making it a secondary 72-hour kit.
After the 2019 fire, we were gifted a trailer. We’ve added extra clothing, food, water, toiletries, and supplies to storage areas, which means if we ever need to, we can hook up the trailer and go. If we have time to grab our emergency kits, great. This would give us 9 days of supplies (house emergency kit, car emergency kit, trailer), rather than just 3 days. Then, it’s just a matter of finding a place to park (e.g. a volunteered driveway, RV park, etc.) and setting up house. This allows us to keep some of our animals with us, alter our lifestyle less, and feel secure in our shelter.
Tent
While there are many options for shelter, it’s always good to have a backup plan for your backup, as you never know what may happen. For this reason, we carry a family-sized tent with our emergency kits. While it does not fit into our bag, it is always ready to go and is stored next to them. If needed, we can set up camp almost anywhere, giving us privacy and a shelter from the worst of the weather.
We also practice-camp occasionally. Whether in the living room, the yard, or out in a campsite, camping helps our children learn how to put up a tent, build a fire, prepare food, find safe water, and pay attention to their surroundings. This makes them helpers during a disaster. It also ensures that they have essential skills in the event they are separated from us.
Clothing and Warmth
In a 72-hour period, you will want to be able to change clothing. In certain events (e.g. a flood during freezing temperatures), you will need to for survival. It is recommended to have at least two compete sets of clothing, one on you and one in your emergency kit. This should include a shirt, pants, socks, underwear, and a jacket. Rather than focusing on fashion, clothing should be appropriate for safety. Jeans, long sleeved shirts, and a jacket that matches the worst of your climate will protect you much better than that cute dress, or those comfy sweatpants. Additionally, the shoes that you put on during evacuation matter. Wearing hiking boots, sneakers, or work boots will protect your feet and allow you to work much better than high heels or flip flops. A totally not necessary thing we do is try to pack bright, unnatural colors (e.g. fluorescent yellow, reds, oranges). This makes you more visible in a lot of different situations and may help rescuers spot you more quickly. I know it helps me find the kids easier when we go hiking and they get a little too far ahead.
Two sets of clothing allow you to wash and dry one set while wearing the other. This can be done at a motel laundry room, laundry mat, in the home you may have evacuated to, or in the sink with some of the soap you pack in your kit. If a dryer is not available, clothing can be hung out to dry.
Finally, it’s a good idea to include items to protect your body from the elements, such as lip balm, sunscreen, lotion, and insect repellent. These can be any brand or type that you like. Ensure it is all ready to go by buying one extra of each item next time you are at the store and putting them in your emergency kit.
In addition to clothing, items in your emergency kit for warmth include fire starters, matches, chemical or rechargeable (if electricity is on hand) hand/foot warmers, ponchos, emergency blankets, and sleeping bags. All of these items can be found anywhere that sells camping supplies. Sleeping bags should be rated to your lowest local temperatures and, while they will not fit into your backpack, can be stored near it for quick evacuation. Sleeping bags can be used in any shelter situation.
Light
Lighting is one of those things that you don’t miss until you don’t have it. In a disaster, power may be cut off or you may be forced into a more remote area. It’s possible you will need to evacuate at night. It’s likely you will need to stay away for at least one night. Having lighting doesn’t just make tasks easier in the dark, it makes them possible.
Emergency lighting can mean a flashlight (with backup batteries), an electric, gas, or oil lantern, candles, emergency candles, glowsticks, or a mixture of all of those. It may also mean solar or generator-powered lighting.
In our home emergency kit, we have glowsticks, flares, emergency candles, matches, and flashlights with extra batteries. In our trailer, we have all these plus lanterns. This allows us easy-to-carry options that gives us different types of light in different situations. Glowsticks, for example, may work better in high wind or rain for general lighting while flashlights allow for focused lighting while we are getting work done. Flares (in our car kits) are great for lighting, signaling, and warmth, while candles give warmth and lighting on a smaller, safer scale.
Cleaning
While cleaning is the last thing from your mind in the moment of evacuation, it quickly becomes a necessity once you are settled into your evacuation point. It is one aspect of emergency kits that many people overlook. However, you will create trash, dirty dishes, and dirty clothing. You will encounter items (e.g. picnic tables) that need to be wiped down.
Include a travel-sized dish soap, a clean rag, sanitizing wipes, and a few garbage bags. Dish soap can be used to clean not only your cooking dishes and mess kit, but to wash hands, clean clothing, and can even be used as a body wash if needed. Sanitizing wipes can be used to clean eating surfaces, wipe down items that may be contaminated during an outbreak, and clean things like face shields, mask covers, or glasses, that make come in contact with your face. Finally, garbage bags are great for collecting garbage or dirty laundry, storing items in a water-resistant place, or filling with air to fan fires. The black garbage bags can be used to heat water or your shelter. By placing them on top of the area you want to warm in a sunny spot, the dark color will absorb heat from the sun, keeping the things below at a warmer than they would be otherwise.
Hygiene
Hygiene is very important in an emergency and will not only help you feel more comfortable, but will keep your mental health in a better place and reduce the risk of disease spreading.
Your emergency kit should include a washcloth (separate from the dish rag), soap or a travel-sized body wash, hand sanitizer, a toothbrush and toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, a brush or comb, tissues, deodorant, and a razor. Optional items include tissues, ponytails, a small pack of extra sanitizing wipes, and shaving cream. You can include any other toiletries you find necessary. However, packing all of your makeup and hair products is likely impractical and will only add weight to the bag. Be sure to also include items for feminine hygiene (e.g. tampons, pads, period panties, menstrual cups) that you normally use. You never know when an emergency will hit so it’s best to be prepared for any time.
While it is optional, many people also opt to include a camping shower, like this one. As our family has a shower in our trailer, we did not include one in our emergency kit.
During a 3-day period, garbage can generally be collected in bags until you find a safe place to dispose of it. If you are camping, be sure to store garbage out of reach of wildlife (you don’t want to attract bears) and pack it out when you leave. Shelters often provide garbage receptacles. Additionally, the city you are staying in may offer a waste transfer center or dump. Reducing litter not only help protect the environment, it reduces pests, odor, and risk of disease.
Finally, you will need to include a roll of toilet paper. Whether you are in a shelter, a motel, or end up camping, you will need to use the restroom. It’s a good idea to be prepared and well-stocked, as TP can run out quickly. If you are camping, you should have the knowledge and skill to build a safe cathole-type “bathroom”. Knowing where to put your improvised outhouse, how deep to dig it, and how to use and maintain it can reduce risk of contamination, disease, and odor.
Communication
Being able to communicate and receive news during an evacuation helps you know where is safe, what the threats are, and when you can return. A NOAA portable radio (like this one) will allow you tune in each day and get regular news and updates. Many are solar powered or hand-crank powered, allowing you to use it without batteries or access to an outlet.
You should also keep a small notebook and pen or pencil in your kit. This allows you to take important notes on what is said during emergency meetings or broadcasts, write down shelter addresses, and note details about your surroundings.
A whistle and/or signal mirror should be placed in your emergency kit, as well. These items will help rescuers locate if you get lost and allow you to conserve energy trying to scream or use hand movements to get attention.
Finally, while not packed into your kit, a phone or laptop with internet access can allow you to access information on social media, connect with people in the area and willing to help, and allow you to ask questions of officials. It’s a good idea to pack an extra charger for each of these items in your kit, as your normal charger may be forgotten in the rush.
Medical Needs
Any emergency kit must include items for medical needs. Most people start with a basic first aid kit, which can be found by the bandages in most stores. This kit should include bandages, gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, cotton swabs, disposable gloves, ACE wraps, scissors, tweezers, a cold pack, a thermometer, pain reliever, antihistamine, hydrocortisone, a CPR shield or mask, burn gel, eye wash fluid, and an emergency blanket. It may also include a splint, blood clotting powder or pads, and an instruction booklet.
You will also want to include any medications specific to the person whose emergency kit it is. In an emergency, hospitals are often overwhelmed and you may not be able to get to your normal doctor or pharmacy. This may include pain killers, allergy medications, or vitamins not in the first aid kid, or extras if they are used more often than what is provided. It may also include prescription medications (ask your doctor about building an emergency supply, many are willing to help). Alternatively, Jase Medical is able to prescribe certain medications after an online doctor visit and can help you build up a supply of antibiotics and treatments for common post-crisis events that are tailored to your personal needs. You will also want to include a basic write-up of medical conditions, current medications, doctor, hospital, urgent care, and pharmacy contact info, and a copy of your insurance cards.
In addition to having supplies on hand, you need to know what to do with them. Taking a Basic First Aid and CPR class from the Red Cross is a great place to start. It will help you know what to watch for, how to treat basic injuries and illnesses, and how to prevent disease infection. In our family, we take this class starting at the age of 12, and renew our knowledge every other year or so.
There is a long list of medical needs that you can prepare for, and our family actually has a whole extra backpack for medical supplies that aren’t listed here. This is a basic list to help you get started.
Survival Supplies
Every emergency kit should also include basic survival supplies such as a pocket knife, a flint-and-steel fire starter, an axe, a 50-ft rope, a strong tarp, a basic sewing kit, a small shovel (we pack the ones you find in the garden section because they fit in our bags), N95 NIOSH-approved masks, a power bank or solar pack to charge small items like our phones, and duct tape. These supplies are useful in a variety of situations and most of them can be used in several different ways. A tarp, for example, may be a ground cover, a tent, a way to collect water, a warming blanket, or a way to transport firewood.
Like basic first aid skills, basic survival skills, basic survival skills are a must. If you can’t use the supplies you have, they are useless. Everyone should learn how to collect firewood, start a fire, build a shelter, find and clean water, hunt or trap food, fish, and read the signs of nature. There are many clubs, YouTube channels, blogs, books, and online and in-person classes that can start this process.
Information
During an evacuation, information is valuable. Building your skills beforehand, having a radio, knowing your resources, and attending community meetings can help you stay caught up with new information and situations as they come.
However, you will need to provide information, too.
Include a list of important phone numbers and addresses (family cell numbers, local emergency numbers, disaster hotlines, hospitals, pharmacies, utility companies, family workplaces, doctors, transportation, banks, Red Cross, schools, and veterinarians). Update and print off a new list every year or so to ensure changes are made as needed. Include numbers of immediate family in your household, as well as at least one contact that is distant, allowing each family member the ability to contact someone outside of the situation if needed. Numbers of neighbors, local resources, and nearby friends may also be helpful. In addition to a physical copy in your emergency kit, add these numbers to your phone contact list.
You should also include a copy of a photo ID, medical insurance cards, homeowner/rental and vehicle insurance policies, and a current family photo in your emergency kit. Update these as needed, too.
After our evacuation, our family began a information binder. In addition to adding the above items to each individual kit, we have a family binder that has full insurance plans, birth certificates, death certificates, social security numbers, bank information, credit card information, wills and trusts, passwords to online accounts, credit card numbers, and other important info we may need in an emergency.
Finally, every household should have a plan for the following situations: fire, flood, earthquake, tornado/hurricane (if applicable), “bad guy”, and evacuation. Each member of the household should know how to get out of the house (or where to go in the house), where to meet, who to contact, what resources are available to them, and how to use them. This plan should include time at home, work, and school, as well as any time the family may be separated throughout the day. Children should know how to properly call 911, have a list of safe adults they can contact, and be taught who to call if something happens to both mom and dad.
Cash
In emergencies, technology may not always be reliable, making credit cards and debit cards useless and banks difficult to access. Having cash on hand and in your emergency kit allows you to purchase necessities, such as shelter at a motel, extra clothing, or food, and gives you something to bargain with if needed. Cash should be kept in small bills ($20’s and lower), as change will likely not be available. How much cash is kept will depend on your financial situation and the resources available around you. In general, $200 is a good starting point.
Special Supplies
I’ve already talked about special medical needs and dietary needs, but other supplies may be needed in an emergency kit dependent upon family needs.
Small Children
Small children may need formula, bottles, diapers, and wipes included. They may also need diaper cream, additional outfits, small blankets, nursing supplies, burping pads, bibs, small bowls or spoons, or baby food. Add anything you would normally use throughout the three-day time period, taking care to keep the emergency kit portable.
Special Needs
Children and adults with special needs may be more comfortable if certain comfort items are included. For many with special needs, these items are not extras, they are necessities. Things like headphones that block out noise, sunglasses, fidgets, sensory items, gloves, wheelchairs, walkers, bed pans, positioning devices, or adult diapers can be included in emergency kits as needed. If an item is used regularly, a note can be placed on top of each kit, reminding you to grab that item before leaving in an emergency.
Pet/Livestock Supplies
If you have pets or livestock, this adds another layer of preparedness to evacuations and emergency kits. Having a kit with food, bowls, leashes, identification, carriers, and toys for your pet can help make evacuation easier on both you and your animals. Items can be stored in the car, in your emergency kit, or in a separate kit for animals.
Livestock owners should have a trailer or kennel large enough for their animals to evacuate, as well as any food, shelter, and supplies that may be necessary during the time you are gone. While it is not always possible to get all your animals out, being prepared increases the chances that you can. Training animals to load/unload, walk, and stay within fence lines helps leaving go more smoothly. Having a plan (e.g. nearby communities with corrals, kennels, or pens they are willing to share) can give your animals a safe place to go. Staying up-to-date on vaccines and medications can protect them from contact with other animals during this time.
Sometimes, it’s not possible to evacuate due to herd size, timing restraints, or logistics of moving large animals. In this case, may people choose to place identifiers on their animals and open up pens or cut fence lines. This gives animals a chance to escape floods or fires, rather than trapping them there. As always, ask your local emergency crews about your specific situation before doing this.
Stress Busters
As crazy as it sounds, evacuations are boring. Yes, there’s the build-up stress, the emotional stress of leaving things behind, and the temporary flurry of activity when you are actively evacuating.
But once you get to where you are going…..you have nothing but time to worry.
And that’s not good for anyone.
When things are out of your control and it feels like your world is ending, focus on what you can control.
Try to keep some type of routine. Get up, have breakfast, get ready for the day.
Then, do some work. Help the kids with their homework. Or play games together.
Emergency kits should include some stress busters. Things that fill the time and take your mind off of waiting.
This will look different for every person. It may mean including small card or board games, a football or basketball, hard candies, small toys, snuggly items and books, music, craft supplies, or special treats. It may also mean including something from your everyday life (e.g. a certain drink, a special pillow) that helps bring a sense of normalcy to the day.
Be sure to consider the weight and space these items will take up in your emergency kit, but be sure to include a few to keep spirits up as you face the uncertainty of days away from home.
Final Thoughts and Tips
While your emergency kit has essentials, it can quickly become heavy and difficult to carry. Be sure to include what you need, but keep your pack portable. If you can’t easily carry it when you leave your home, it will be of little use.
Additionally, your emergency kit should be waterproofed. For us, this means that everything inside our emergency kit is packed into a sealed plastic bag before being placed in our backpack. This protects supplies from rain, flooding, and other debris.
Finally, practicing with your emergency kit supplies, learning survival and medical skills, and knowing what resources are available in your area enhance your ability to get by while you are waiting out a crisis. Having the supplies is a good start, knowing how to use them in the best ways possible will help make your kit really work for you.
*Note: While I haven’t included photos in this blog, I’ve included several links to products I use. These links are NOT affiliate links and I receive no money for promoting them. I’m simply sharing what my family uses.