Pledge To Build An Emergency Kit

You can Pledge to Prepare by putting together an Emergency Kit. This is a collection of items that will help you to survive following a disaster if help cannot reach you immediately. When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it's best to think first about the basics of survival including fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

72 Hour Emergency Kit

Items to Have in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food


  • Local maps
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Additional Items for a Kit

  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners


  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies,  identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable  container
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
  • Paper and pencil
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate

Items To Have In A Small Work/School/Car Emergency Supply Kit

These items can all fit into a small Ziploc type bag and be kept in your backpack, desk drawer, or glove box.

  • Bottle of water
  • Disposable poncho
  • Emergency "space" blanket
  • N95 dust mask
  • Small first aid kit with exam gloves
  • Small flashlight
  • Small whistle
  • Sports nutrition bars
Emergency Kit Items

Using Household Items

You can put together your own kit with items that you probably have in your home already. Access a shopping list (PDF) that breaks down emergency kit purchases over 24 weeks. You pick up a few items at the grocery store one week, from the hardware store the next, etc. until you have yourself a fully functional family kit. If you don't have the time to make your own kit, many online retailers offer pre-made kits. Just type "72 hour kit" or "disaster kit" into your favorite web browser to find some online retailers.