A complete emergency kit covers water, food, light, communication, first aid, documents, cash, and hygiene for at least three days.
Most households pack food and water, then realize too late they forgot the radio, the cash, or the medication refills. FEMA and the CDC publish the definitive checklists, and both agencies agree on the core: one gallon of water per person per day for several days, nonperishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a flashlight, a first aid kit, and extra batteries. The list below follows that guidance so you can build a kit once and forget it until you need it.
Why Follow The FEMA And CDC Checklists
FEMA and the CDC are the strongest authoritative sources for U.S. household disaster preparedness, and both recommend building a kit that covers survival basics before adding location-specific items. FEMA’s basic emergency supply kit calls for water, nonperishable food, a radio, flashlight, first aid, extra batteries, a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape, sanitation supplies, tools, and local maps.
The CDC’s checklist adds family and emergency contact information, extra car and house keys, personal documents, extra cash, an emergency blanket, and a manual can opener. Neither agency requires specific gear brands or electronics; both emphasize that a kit only works if you can grab it and go.
Core Emergency Kit Items, Ranked By Priority
Here is the full list, grouped the way FEMA and the CDC organize it. The table compresses the official guidance from both agencies into one reference.
| Category | What To Pack | Official Source |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 1 gallon per person per day for 3+ days | FEMA, Red Cross |
| Food | Nonperishable, no-cooking items for 3+ days | CDC, Red Cross |
| Light | Flashlight plus extra batteries | FEMA, CDC |
| Communication | Battery-powered or hand-crank radio; NOAA if possible | FEMA, CDC |
| First Aid | Kit, medications, and medical supplies | FEMA, Red Cross |
| Documents | Copies of IDs, insurance, medical records in waterproof bag | CDC, Red Cross |
| Cash | Small bills and coins | CDC, Red Cross |
| Sanitation | Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties | FEMA |
| Tools | Wrench/pliers, manual can opener, whistle | FEMA |
| Comfort | Emergency blanket, warm clothing, sturdy shoes | Red Cross |
Common Mistakes That Leave Families Exposed
The most frequent error is packing only food and water. The official checklists put equal weight on items you cannot improvise: medications, light, communication, documents, cash, and hygiene supplies. A second mistake is assuming one kit fits every household; FEMA and the Red Cross recommend adding cold-weather gear, baby supplies, pet food and water, dust masks, and plastic sheeting based on your region and family members.
Medication quantities also differ between sources. The CDC specifies a 7-day supply in one checklist, while Red Cross guidance allows up to a month. Pack as much as your prescriptions permit and keep a paper list of what you take in the waterproof document bag.
Store everything in an easy-to-carry container with waterproof compartments for documents and medicines, per CDC guidance. Keep a paper copy of emergency contact numbers inside in case your phone loses power. For a ready-made solution that covers these categories without the guesswork, see our roundup of the best emergency kits for home and car.
Build The Kit Once, Refresh It Every Year
Assemble the kit, label it with a permanent marker, and set a yearly reminder to rotate water, food, and medications before they expire. Test the flashlight and radio batteries, confirm chargers still fit your phones, and update document copies when insurance or IDs change. A kit that sits untouched for a decade is a false sense of security; a kit that gets a 15-minute refresh each spring is what actually works when the power goes out or the evacuation order comes.
FAQs
How much water should each person store?
Plan for one gallon per person per day for at least three days, per FEMA and Red Cross guidance. That covers drinking plus basic hygiene. Families with pets should add water for them too, and households in hot climates may need more than the minimum.
What foods store longest in an emergency kit?
Choose nonperishable items that need no refrigeration or cooking and little to no water to prepare. Canned goods with pull tabs, peanut butter, granola bars, dried fruit, and shelf-stable crackers all work well. Rotate them yearly so nothing expires before you need it.
Should I keep documents in the kit or somewhere else?
Keep copies in the kit inside a waterproof bag, and store originals in a fireproof safe or bank box. The CDC recommends waterproof containers for papers and medicines. Include insurance policies, IDs, medical records, and a paper list of emergency contacts in case your phone dies.
References & Sources
- FEMA. “Emergency Supply List” (Are You Ready? Appendix B). Official FEMA checklist covering water, food, radio, flashlight, first aid, tools, and sanitation items.
- FEMA. “Emergency Supply Kit Checklist” FEMA’s basic supply kit guidance including water, nonperishable food, and survival basics.