You’ll probably want to supplement any pre-built survival kit with other tools and supplies. Or you might want to build your own go-bag from scratch. Below are highly rated first aid, sustenance, hygiene, light source, shelter, communication, tool and protection supplies fit for any emergency kit.
First aid kits
A first aid kit should include a variety of supplies for treating wounds and injuries. You should add personal items like medications and emergency contacts, according to the American Red Cross.
Whistles
Whistles can get incredibly loud with a lot less effort on your part than shouting or yelling. If you’re in distress and need help, blow a whistle three times — three of anything in a repeating sequence is known to be an international sign of distress (SOS), according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
Flashlights
A flashlight is critical at night if your power is out and you have no way to charge your phone, according to FEMA.
Disposable batteries and portable chargers
Most flashlights (and some radios) are powered by disposable AA or AAA batteries, and Ready.gov recommends storing a few extras in your emergency kit. Portable chargers can also be useful for charging your phone when the power is out.
Radio with NOAA Weather Radio tone alert
A radio is a good way to get updates on the disaster, including any known safety risks, according to FEMA.
Sleeping bags
Maintaining your body temperature in hot or cold weather is vital for survival, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety. A sleeping bag can help you stay warm in cold conditions and you can typically roll it into a smaller size so it can easily fit into an emergency bag. You can learn more in our guide to the best sleeping bags.
Face masks
The American Red Cross recommends putting N95 or surgical masks in your emergency kit, depending on the types of disasters common to your area.
Personal Hygiene
Moist towelettes and hand wipes can be used to clean and sanitize.
Tools and Shelter
The right tools and shelter can make it easier to shut off damaged household utilities (in case of downed wires, for example), open canned food, shelter in place and more.
Maps and navigation
Ready.gov recommends any basic disaster supply kit have maps of your area. You can buy local maps online or print out maps at home using tools like the U.S. Geological Survey national map viewer.
If you don’t have a GPS device, a manual compass is also essential for map navigation.
Cell phone, personal documents, extra cash
The American Red Cross recommends packing a cell phone, personal documents like medication lists, proof of address, passports, extra cash and more. What this looks like in practice depends on your household and needs.
Frequently asked questions
FEMA’s Ready.gov and the American Red Cross recommend many of the same items for a 72 hour emergency kit. We combined recommendations from government agencies to create the list of essentials recommended above.
Both organizations also list supplemental emergency supplies that may be useful, including:
- Prescription medications (three-day supply) and medical items
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant supplies
- Pet food and water
- Extra cash
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
- Sleeping bags
- Towels
- Climate-appropriate change of clothes and shoes
- Work gloves
- Scissors
- Fire extinguishers
- Menstrual supplies
- Set of dishes and utensils
- Paper and pencils
- Entertainment (books, games, puzzles, etc.)
It can be, depending on your needs. A lot of the most recommended items in an emergency kit are things you already have in your home: non-perishable food, water, batteries, tools, spare clothes, first-aid supplies, etc. So you can start an emergency kit by putting supplies you already have in a bag, then shop for anything you’re missing.
Ready.gov recommends storing your emergency kit items in airtight plastic bags, then put them in something that’s easy to carry like a duffel bag or plastic bin.