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Preparedness Kit Checklist

Being prepared for an emergency is often and after thought. Most people do not think of being prepared for the next emergent event while they are getting ready for work in the morning. However, if the last 50 years have taught us anything it is that we should always be ready to some extent for the event most possible in our area. These lists are made available for your education and convenience to at least get you thinking, if not fully preparing for the next potential event.

Family Emergency Kit Checklist

For 4 Adults – Northeast U.S. (All Hazards: Storms, Outages, Cyber Events)

1. Water & Food

  • [ ] Water – 28 gallons total (1 gal/person/day × 4 people × 7 days)
  • [ ] Gravity water filter (Berkey or equivalent)
  • [ ] 50 water purification tablets
  • [ ] Freeze-dried meals or MREs (\~80,000 calories total)
  • [ ] Shelf-stable food (rice, oats, beans, peanut butter, canned items)
  • [ ] Compact camping stove + 4–6 fuel canisters
  • [ ] Stainless steel cookware set
  • [ ] 4 mess kits (plates, cups, utensils)

2. Power & Light

  • [ ] 4 LED flashlights (1 per person)
  • [ ] 2 headlamps (hands-free use)
  • [ ] 2 lanterns (battery/solar/crank)
  • [ ] 24 AA batteries
  • [ ] 24 AAA batteries
  • [ ] 2 solar power banks (≥20,000mAh)
  • [ ] 1 small solar panel charger (≥20W)
  • [ ] Charging cables for all devices

3. Shelter, Warmth & Clothing

  • [ ] 4 sleeping bags (rated for 0–20°F)
  • [ ] 4 Mylar blankets
  • [ ] 2 wool blankets
  • [ ] 1 large tent (4-person) OR 2 tarps + paracord
  • [ ] 2 sets of seasonal clothing per person (layers: base, fleece, waterproof)
  • [ ] 4 pairs of sturdy boots
  • [ ] Gloves, hats, and extra socks (per person)

4. Health & First Aid

  • [ ] Comprehensive first aid kit
  • [ ] Prescription medications (7–14 days per person)
  • [ ] Over-the-counter meds (pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, electrolyte packets)
  • [ ] 8 N95 respirators
  • [ ] 2 bottles hand sanitizer
  • [ ] 3 packs sanitizing wipes
  • [ ] Toothbrushes (4) and toothpaste
  • [ ] Biodegradable soap
  • [ ] Feminine hygiene supplies

5. Tools & Safety

  • [ ] 2 multi-tools
  • [ ] 1 fixed-blade survival knife
  • [ ] 2 rolls of duct tape
  • [ ] 100 ft paracord
  • [ ] 4 pairs of work gloves
  • [ ] 4 lighters
  • [ ] 2 ferro rods
  • [ ] Waterproof matches
  • [ ] 4 signaling whistles
  • [ ] 1 small hatchet or folding saw

6. Communication & Information

  • [ ] NOAA weather radio (hand-crank/solar/battery)
  • [ ] 2–4 walkie-talkies (FRS/GMRS) + spare batteries
  • [ ] Printed local/regional maps
  • [ ] Family emergency plan cards (1 per person)

7. Documents & Money

  • [ ] Waterproof pouch with IDs, insurance, deeds, medical info
  • [ ] \$400–600 in small bills (\$1s, \$5s, \$10s, \$20s)

8. Recreation & Morale

  • [ ] Deck of cards
  • [ ] Dice
  • [ ] Travel-size board game(s)
  • [ ] Notebooks + pens
  • [ ] Paperback books
  • [ ] Comfort snacks/treats (chocolate, candy, coffee, tea)

9. Transportation & Safety

  • [ ] 10–15 gallons gasoline (rotated, stored safely)
  • [ ] Car emergency kit (jumper cables, tire repair, blankets, flares/reflectors)
  • [ ] Bicycles or folding carts for alternate transport

10. Optional / Long-Term

  • [ ] Generator + stabilized fuel
  • [ ] 55-gallon water storage barrels
  • [ ] Extra supplies for neighbors/extended family

Quick Grab List (Family of 4 – Northeast U.S.)

Use when you have minutes to evacuate. Keep items packed in go-bags near the exit.

Personal Go-Bag (per person)

  • [ ] 1 backpack
  • [ ] 3 days of clothes (layered, weather-appropriate)
  • [ ] Sturdy shoes/boots
  • [ ] Personal hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies)
  • [ ] Prescription medications (7-day supply, labeled)
  • [ ] N95 mask × 2
  • [ ] Reusable water bottle (filled)
  • [ ] Compact flashlight + spare batteries
  • [ ] Whistle
  • [ ] Emergency blanket (Mylar)
  • [ ] Snacks (energy bars, nuts, jerky, hard candy)
  • [ ] Copy of family emergency card (contacts, meeting place)
  • [ ] Small amount of cash (\$40–60 in small bills)

Shared Family Grab Items

  • [ ] Important documents (IDs, insurance, medical info, deeds) in waterproof pouch
  • [ ] $300–500 cash in small bills
  • [ ] Cell phones + chargers + power bank
  • [ ] NOAA weather radio (hand-crank/solar)
  • [ ] First aid kit
  • [ ] Compact cooking stove + 2 fuel canisters
  • [ ] 1 lightweight pot + utensils
  • [ ] Freeze-dried meals / MREs (3 days for 4 people)
  • [ ] Water (at least 4 gallons total for travel)
  • [ ] Water filter or purification tablets
  • [ ] 1 compact tent or 2 tarps + paracord
  • [ ] 2 compact lanterns or headlamps
  • [ ] 1 multi-tool + 1 knife
  • [ ] Lightweight entertainment (deck of cards, notebook + pen)

Optional / Seasonal

  • [ ] Cold-weather gear (hats, gloves, coats, extra socks)
  • [ ] Warm-weather gear (sunscreen, hats, insect repellent)
  • [ ] Pet kit (food, leash, carrier, vaccination records)

Tips

  • Store family go-bags in one location by the exit or in car trunks, and keep the shared items in a tote/duffel bag for fast loading.