Expect the Unexpected: 3 Emergency Kits Every Home Needs

Unexpected emergencies happen all the time—earthquakes, fires, floods, tornadoes, power outages, etc. Stay prepared with quick access to basic supplies in any situation. Check out these 3 DIY Emergency Kits that will carry you through short, long-term, and on-the-go scenarios! When it comes to emergency preparedness, one size does not fit all. Emergency storage should be tailored to you and your family's needs!

To-Go Bag or Bucket (Days to Weeks)

While many emergencies can occur while allowing you to remain in your home, others may require you to evacuate at the drop of a hat. When it's time to go, give yourself peace of mind knowing that you have a bag or bucket that you can grab and go that contains the supplies needed to get by for a few days. This kit can be packed into a duffle bag, a large backpack, or a 5-gallon bucket for each individual. Keep in mind it is best to review this kit quarterly to annually to ensure it contains up to date information, materials appropriate to changing seasons, and clothing that fits.

Family Red File To-Go

A Red File is a collection of essential documents or copies of these documents. When it comes to emergency preparedness, identification documents are not often prioritized or listed as vital supplies. A managing director of a large financial firm and a 27-year volunteer with the American Red Cross shares, “A great way to protect your vital documents is to create what’s called a “RED FILE.” The red file can be anything from an envelope to a folder or binder to a box - so long as it’s the bright crimson color that will make it easy to find in a hurry. The RED FILE needs to be kept in a PRIVATE, SAFE, SECURE, ACCESSIBLE location in your home - to be able to GRAB-N-Go in case of any emergency.” A helpful checklist of critical documents and other recommended supplies and resources can be found on www.ready.gov.

These vital documents include each household member's driver’s license, passport, insurance information (health, house, and auto), social security cards, wills, trusts, power-of-attorney documents, house deeds, family medical history and care provider information, and financial accounts, among other valuable pieces of information.

Individual To-Go Bags or Bucket Supplies:

• Food (for several days to weeks)
• Sprouts - Sprouting seeds are great for packing a large amount of nutrient-dense food into very little space. Pairing these seeds with a jar or sprouting bag is a great way to save space and weight for additional life-saving and comforting items. Tablespoons can literally be transformed into cups of nutritious food.
• Canned and Dehydrated Foods - Instant foods like oatmeal packets, dehydrated food packs, and canned goods are great options for food within the first 1-3 days of an emergency. Unfortunately, they can also take up a lot of space when planning enough to last more than 72 hours. Consider utilizing the compact nature of seeds among your diverse selection of foods to sustain you and your family over extended emergency situations.

• A complete change of clothes
• Water (1 gallon + a purification method)
• Prescription medications
• Hygiene supplies including toilet paper and garbage bags
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight
• Matches (in a waterproof container)

• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle
• Plastic Sheeting, scissors, and duct tape
• Local Maps
• Backup cell phone charger and portable charger
• Blanket or sleeping bag

Car Kit (Days)

As someone who loves a good road trip, I know it is incredibly important to plan for the unexpected. Nobody wants to break down, run out of gas in the middle of nowhere, or be the victim of a hit-and-run, but stuff happens. It is important to keep an emergency supply of useful tools, food, water, and first aid supplies that can help you in the event you find yourself stuck for several hours to days without aid. Regular vehicle maintenance can help you avoid many problems and emergencies while on the road, but others are nothing short of unpredictable.

• Jumper Cables
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Ice Scraper
• Car cell phone charger
• Blanket
• Map
• Cat litter or sand for improved traction

• Food (for several days)
• Water
• Hygiene supplies including toilet paper and garbage bags
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries

Long-term Storage Kit (Weeks to Months)

While you hope to never need a long-term emergency storage kit, it is important to prepare one. Think of this kit as a collection of supplies rather than a single box of survival gear. Long-term emergency kits should include enough food, water (and purification supplies), hygiene, sanitation, first aid, and other tools needed to get by for several weeks to months. Getting common everyday supplies can become difficult or unattainable during large natural disasters or supply chain disruptions. While there is no need to buy out your local Costco of toilet paper, maintaining an inventory of 1-3 months' supply of food, hygiene, and cleaning materials can help relieve stress during the recovery phase.

Identification & Documents - As mentioned earlier, it is important to keep copies of essential documents that can quickly be gathered on your way out of the house. In addition to grab-and-go copies, originals should be shielded from potential damage with materials such as a protective fire-safe box.

Food - The best foods for long-term storage include grains, beans, and other legumes because of their incredible shelf-life. When stored in sealed cans and packages, these products can last for several years under ideal circumstances (kept cool and dry). To increase their usability, familiarize yourself with them and practice preparing them in different ways. Legumes can be sprouted and eaten raw or cooked into various savory dishes. Grains can be rolled, milled into flour, ground into cereal, and used in other forms. A supply of home garden seeds should also be included in your food storage for long-term self-reliance.

Water - Ideally, a two-week supply of water per person is best for long-term storage kits. This would be 14 gallons a person (one gallon per day). However, this is often hard to do because of the amount of space water takes up. If you don’t have space for two weeks, store what you can and be sure to supplement with purification options like tablets and filters.

Power and Lighting - In the event of power outages, it is important to maintain a source of light and the ability to cook or make repairs. We recommend storing a variety of light options, including candles, flashlights, lanterns, headlamps, and glowsticks. Utilizing solar-powered chargers, power banks, generators, fans, etc., can also give you power without the need to store large amounts of fuel.

Other Supplies Including:

• First Aid and Medical Supplies
• Hygiene and Sanitation
• Shelter and Warmth

• Methods of Communication
• Tools and Supplies for Repairs
• Other Considerations (such as pets, babies, or other special needs)