Assemble an Emergency Supply Kit
When assembling your kit, plan for enough of each item that will last you and your family for at least three days.
Store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it's ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace expired items as needed.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family's needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go" case.
- Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Learn More
For additional information, including tips on how much water, what kinds of food and how to store it, visit Ready.gov/kit.
