Best Emergency Kits: How to Prepare for Disaster

If you’re feeling spooked by the uptick in hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes wreaking havoc on our communities (it’s climate change y‘all) you’re not alone. And, whether or not you’ve been personally affected by a recent natural disaster, the news certainly serves as a reminder that we should all have our emergency-related ducks in a row—that means assembling a go-bag so you’re prepared when disaster strikes. The best emergency kits are stocked with helpful items to get you and your family through crisis, be it a fire, flood, or earthquake. Read on to hear from a handful of emergency-preparedness experts for their tips, plus an extensive list of everything you need to build a successful emergency supply kit.

What should you consider when creating an emergency kit?

“When building an emergency preparedness kit, it’s essential to consider both short-term and medium-term needs, as the duration of an emergency can be unpredictable,” says Alison Hill, CEO of LifeStraw. “Start by assessing the specific risks in your area (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires, or earthquakes), but also prepare for prolonged disruptions.”

“Ensuring you have enough supplies—however you define that—for you and your family for at least three days is vital, because it can be extremely challenging for first responders to provide meaningful humanitarian aid within the first 72 hours after a disaster, even with the fastest response,” adds Dr. John Roberts, MD, Senior Emergency Health Advisor at International Medical Corps.

Dr. Roberts also says you should ideally include one complete change of climate-appropriate clothing, including sturdy shoes, for each family member. “Include extra prescription medications and eyeglasses in your first aid kit, and learn how to use all supplies, including an epinephrine injector, if needed. Items to help with personal grooming, cleaning and toiletries can also be in your preparedness kit.”

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Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, the actual list of items is much more manageable than it sounds. Plus, there are plenty of premade emergency kits that can help tackle a lot at once (we’ll list a few below). However, Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo home insurance, says that even if you buy a premade kit, you’ll want to customize it to meet your family’s needs. “As a bonus, you can also put in items that could comfort your family during times of crisis: your favorite snacks, cozy blankets and even special books or toys,” she adds.

Most importantly, Dr. Roberts stresses that every disaster is different, so it’s crucial that you follow emergency instructions from local authorities. “Discuss where to seek shelter with your household, identify meeting places and plan evacuation routes,” he adds.

What items should you include?

Regardless of your environment, our experts agree that all emergency supply kits should include the following:

• Water filtration/purification tools and, ideally, one gallon of water per person (and one-half gallon per pet) per day for three days
• Non-perishable food for three days
• First aid essentials
• Portable tent
• Solar-powered or battery-free light
• A multipurpose tool
• Cell phone chargers
• Personal hygiene items
• Copies of important documents (more on this below)
• Emergency radio
• Communication devices for connectivity
• Handheld maps
• Emergency blankets and ponchos

Don’t forget about your furry friends

According to Amber Batteiger, who is a first responder and the Communications Manager and Disaster Relief Expert at Embrace Pet Insurance, your beloved fur-babies require their own emergency go-bag. “This preparation is vital as disasters are very stressful for both pets and pet parents,” she says.

Batteiger says a pet-specific emergency kit should include 7-10 days’ worth of pet food, water, medications, any necessary medical records, a leash and collar with identification tags, a carrier or crate, bedding, and toys. “If your pet is not accustomed to being in a carrier or kennel, its crucial to familiarize them beforehand,” Batteiger adds. “Practice going in and out of it and [have them] spend some time inside the kennel or crate.”

Shop emergency kit items

First Aid Only 299 Piece Set — $25.00

This kit from First Aid Only contains everything you’ll need (from a first-aid perspective) in a compact carrying case. The 299-piece set includes wound cleaning supplies, a cold pack, bandages of all shapes and sizes, and helpful tools like scissors, tweezers, and nitrile gloves. While most of the items won’t expire, be sure to keep an eye on the included ibuprofen and aspirin tablets.

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw — $20.00

“While a 72-hour supply of food, water, and first aid is a good baseline, think beyond that,” says Hill. “As it relates to critical needs, instead of relying on several gallons of stored water, consider long-term solutions like water filtration devices, which can provide safe drinking water for extended periods.”

Having a filtration straw on hand, like the LifeStraw, ensures that you’ll always have access to safe drinking water. The filter—which removes 9.999 percent of bacteria, parasites, and microplastics—lasts up to 4,000 liters, or 1,000 gallons. It comes with a handy cap, and it’s available in several different colors so you can tell your straw apart from your loved ones’.

Also: LifeStraw has been on the ground and partnering with emergency responders to help those affected by hurricane Helene. If you’d like to send support via their organization, the Safe Water Fund, you can do so here.

Augason Farms Breakfast & Dinner Emergency Food Supply — $97.00

Buying shelf-stable food is not necessarily appetizing, but it’s better to be prepared. This variety pack from Augason Farms contains 13 different breakfast and dinner options (106 servings total) like brown sugar oatmeal and macaroni and cheese. The pack comes in a durable four-gallon bucket and has a shelf life of up to 30 years.

DaringSnail Emergency Crank Weather Radio — $39.00

“A battery-powered or crank radio can be beneficial for emergency updates,” says Roberts. This weather radio from DaringSnail has access to seven NOAA channels so you can stay on top of the latest weather and hazard information. It’s compact, but also acts as a flashlight, SOS alarm, and device charger. Plus, the radio’s hand crank, rechargeable battery, and solar panel ensure it will always be juiced up.

E-Shidai Solar Flashlight — $14.00

“For power, opt for solar-powered devices over or in addition to fuel-based options to ensure sustainability during an extended outage,” says Hill. “Prioritizing these versatile, portable, long-lasting resources will better equip you for the uncertainty of how long an emergency might last.”

While the radio above does feature a light, you’ll want an easy handheld flashlight in your kit, too. This one from E-Shidai charges both by solar and USB to provide bright (1000 lumens) light on the go. It’s also splash proof (don’t submerge it!) so you can use it rainy conditions, too.

Gerber Suspension-NXT Multi-Tool — $50.00

All of our experts recommended having a multi-tool in your emergency supply kit. This one, from Gerber, is compact (as in 4.25 inches when closed) and covers a ton of ground. Whether you need scissors, pliers, a bottle opener, can opener, screwdriver, file, serrated blade, or wire strippers, it’s got you covered.

LuxoGear Emergency Whistles (2-Pack) — $8.00

What’s lightweight, waterproof, high-vis, and loud as hell? This set of two emergency whistles from LuxoGear. Dr. Roberts recommends having a whistle in your pack in case you’re trapped or injured and need to signal for help, and these bright orange screamers will do the trick.

Blavor Solar Charge Power Bank — $40.00

While the crank radio above does charge devices, if you have a bigger family and a lot of phones, you’ll want a little added support. This solar-charged power bank is a about the size of an iPhone and includes a USB-C input (and output), a flashlight, and a compass. Don’t rely on it for too many devices, though, as it does take a while to re-charge.

Don’t Die In The Woods Huge Emergency Blankets (4-Pack) — $25.00

Ok so, the name is intense, but these emergency blankets are legit. If you’re not in a position to bring your favorite snuggly throw blanket with you, you’ll be glad to have one of these compact-yet-massive thermal mylar sheets. Each blanket measures 5×7 feet and comes in a ripstop stuff-sack. Store them separately for each family member, or stash all four in the included zip pack.

Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite2 Poncho — $20.00

If there’s ever a time to buy a durable (read: not made of saran wrap) poncho, it’s when you’re building your emergency kit. This breathable option from Frogg Toggs is 100% waterproof and comes in adults and kids sizes. There are snaps on the sides for added breathability, and a drawstring hood to keep your head covered. It comes in six different colors and fits in a small carrying pouch (included).

Go Time Gear Packable Survival Tent — $20.00

To be clear, this is not the type of tent you’d intentionally take camping. But in case of emergency, this soda-can sized, two-person A-frame from Go Time Gear is a great addition to your pack. It’s weatherproof and easy enough to set up between two trees. Plus, it comes with a whistle!

Andyer Fireproof and Waterproof Bag — $17.00

While you should absolutely have your important documents backed up in cloud storage, it doesn’t hurt to also keep them water-resistant and fireproof bag, like this one from Andyer. The bag uses fiberglass and aluminum to protect your docs (like birth certificates, SSN cards, etc) and has two separate pockets to keep things organized. While it does claim to be water-resistant, we recommend adding an additional layer of water protection by popping your papers in a Ziplock, then into this bag. Again, let us say: back up your documents digitally.

3M Aura N95 Masks (20-Pack) — $36.00

Especially if you’re vulnerable to wildfires, it’s important to have a few N95 masks in your emergency arsenal. These Aura N95 masks from 3M filter at least 95 percent of non oil-based particles, like dust, debris, smoke, smog, and airborne allergens.

Best emergency kits (pre-made)

Best single-person kit: Uncharted Supply The Seventy2 Survival System — $259.00

If you’re a sucker for organization, check out this kit from Uncharted Supply. The Seventy2 is a (you guessed it) 72-hour survival supply kit for one person (there’s also a Seventy2 Pro for two people). It includes tools like a shovel and pickaxe, a mylar survival tent, a water bottle and filtration system, a multi-tool, and duct tape. You’ll also find protective gear like goggles, a hat, gloves, and a filtration mask. There are rations for 72 days and plenty of first aid items, including sunscreen and a splint. You’ll also stay warm and dry with the included heat pack, space blanket, tent, and fire starter. Truly, this kit is legit—but it’ll cost you a pretty penny.

Best budget kit: Stealth Angel 72 Hour Emergency Kit — $99.00

While you’ll likely want to add more to this pack, Stealth Angel’s 72 Hour Emergency Kit is a great start. It includes first aid items, a hand-crank radio, an emergency blanket and tent, several tools, drinking water, an emergency whistle, and more. The pack comes in various colors and sizes and includes 72-hours worth of supplies (for up to five people, depending on the size you choose).

How often should you restock your emergency kit?

Klosterman says you should store your kit in a cool, dry place and replace expired food items whenever necessary. While you should check it at least once a year, Dr. Roberts says to aim for every six months “to ensure that your medications and documents are not expired and are ready to grab without warning.”

Additional documents to assemble in case of emergency

In addition to a go-bag, Klosterman recommends building an emergency preparedness binder including important contacts and documents, evacuation plans, and meeting locations. “Everyone in your home should be very familiar with the binder’s contents and where it lives in your home. Ideally, you should store it in a safe that’s both water- and fire-proof,” she says.

Klosterman says your emergency binder should contain the following:

• Emergency contacts: In some emergency situations, you might not have access to your phone. That’s why you should write down several important phone numbers in your binder, like loved-ones, neighbors, work colleagues, administrators at your kids’ schools, your doctors and dentists, and non-emergency police and fire officials in town.
• Reunion locations: Determine where your family members should meet up if you’re separated from one another. Make sure that everyone knows how to get to this location and that you write down the address and phone number.
• Home floor plans: Draw out the rough outlines of the rooms in your home and note the locations of fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, first aid kits, gas and electricity shut offs, ladders and safe rooms to settle in during emergencies. Also draw all available evacuation routes from each room.
• Important documents: Include copies of passports, birth certificates, recent photo IDs, Social Security cards, adoption documents, insurance documents (home and life insurance), home and car deeds, and wills.
• Medical records: Include copies of your immunization records, medical insurance cards and prescriptions. This will help ensure you can get your medications refilled as soon as you need them if you’re unable to return home.
• Financial information: Remember that your binder might be one of the only items you have time to grab from your home in the event of an emergency. Include your credit card information, bank account numbers, and investment and 401(k) information in your emergency preparedness binder.
• Pet emergency information: Make sure to include the name and phone number of your veterinarian, copies of your pets’ medical records and vaccine information, current photos, microchip identification numbers, and contact information for local animal shelters.