7-Day Preparedness Checklist

emergency kit

Six basics you should stock for your home

  • Water.
  • Food (including food for pets if you have them).
  • First aid supplies.
  • Clothing and bedding.
  • Tools and emergency supplies.
  • Special items (like medicines or important papers).

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container like a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.

Learn more about emergency preparation if you have pets.

How much water?

Store one gallon of water per person per day. 

A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.

Keep at least a seven-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

How much food?

Store at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food.

Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno.

Select food items that are compact and lightweight, such as:

  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
  • Canned juices
  • Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
  • High energy foods
  • Vitamins
  • Food for infants
  • Comfort/stress foods

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

  • Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Passports, social security cards, immunization records
  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card account numbers and companies
  • Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Storage

  • Store your kit(s) in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
  • Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
  • Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
  • Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
  • Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medication.

Detailed lists below to help you prepare