How to Build a Disaster Emergency Kit for Your Family

Disasters and emergencies often strike unexpectedly. You may not have much time to gather essentials for your family if you must evacuate quickly for a hurricane, flood or wildfire, for example.

Having an emergency kit ready to go in advance ensures you will have what you need and helps reduce stress and uncertainty during a crisis. Use these tips to help assemble one for your family.

Preparing your emergency kit: where to start

You can add items to your emergency kit over time. Start with the "should haves," and think about the "could haves" later.

Keep in mind that some children may need some special food, supplies and information. (See "10 disaster kit tips for parents of children and youth with special health care needs," below.)

Gather these "should have" items first:

Food/water

• Water for 3 days (about 1 gallon per person per day)

• Non-perishable food that doesn't need to be cooked. Examples include granola bars or special dehydrated foods. You may want to buy 1 or 2 extra to sample ahead of time. This can help kids with the natural temptation to break into them when it is not an emergency! Pack enough for 3 days.
  

Supplies

• Medications, especially prescription medications (talk to your pediatrician about getting a 2-week supply if possible)

• First aid supplies like adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment and elastic bandages
  

• Flashlight with the batteries stored outside of the device
  

• Blankets
  

• Change of clothes, including shoes (at least one full change per person)

• Diapers/baby wipes if needed

• Pet food and supplies if needed

• Duct tape

• Pocket knife or multi-tool
  

• Cell phone charger

• Toilet paper and other sanitary products

• Resealable plastic bags/trash bags

• Weather/emergency broadcast radio (hand-crank version, if possible. If not, have an extra set of batteries for back-up). This should be set up where your family can hear its messages.

Information

• Printed copies of key information (consider storing in a water-resistant bag)
  

• Health insurance cards
  

• List of all current medications with details on strength and doses for each family member
  

• Critical medical records, such as an emergency information form completed with help of the pediatrician and a list of allergies for each family member
  

• Contact information for your pediatrician and other doctors or health care providers
  

• Current photos of all family members and pets (including a photo of all members of the family together). This can also be shared with your out-of-area contact. These photos can help with family reunification should family members become separated.
  

Consider adding these "could have" items over time:

Food

• Canned food

• Non-electric can opener

Supplies

• Battery-powered lantern and/or hand-crank flashlight or solar-powered flashlight
  
  
• Fire extinguisher

• Water filter and/or water purification supplies
  

• Disinfectant wipes
  

• Toiletry supplies
  

• Activity books/board games
  

• Solar-powered charger
  

• Camping stove with fuel (ONLY use outside)

• Small generator that you know how to use safely
  

Information

• A financial plan such as the one suggested by the American Red Cross or Ready.gov

1. Make sure you have information on your child's specific medical conditions in one place. Consider using the Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Health Care Needs or other options from a trusted organization in your own community. Keep a copy in your child's readiness kit, your car, and give to others who care for your child (school, day care, etc.).
   

2. Write down your "talking points" about your child's disability/needs to share with first responders or shelter staff. There are many templates online to guide you; here is one sample from Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center.

3. If your child will wear them, consider Medical ID bracelets. Put emergency contact info on labels and affix to things your child has with them, such as their wheelchair, wallet, backpack, etc.

4. If your child depends on specialized transportation, ask your transportation company what options you have if that service is not available.

5. If you know that any of your children will require a shelter that can provide medical care, get a list of specific destinations that will be prepared for their needs.

6. Have the phone number or app of at least one state or disabilities service entity. Make sure you and your children have the up-to-date information you need to meet any special health care needs of your children.

7. Pay close attention to evacuation alerts from local authorities. If your family requires extra time to transport, you may need to evacuate earlier.

8. Review the disaster preparedness kit section above to help plan to have specific supplies your family will need to bring with you. Examples include:

• Your own power supply for medical equipment
  
  
• Special formula, thickeners and feeding supplies (g-tube extensions, buttons, syringes, etc.)
  
  
• Incontinence products (such as diapers, ostomy bags, chucks/underpads, gloves)
  
  
• Items for comfort and calming (such as sensory toys or "loveys")
  
  
• Ventilator supplies
  
  
• Supplies or equipment for transporting
  
  
• Communication devices or cards

9. Share your emergency preparedness plans and kit with your child's pediatrician. This is particularly important if your child has special health needs. Together, you and your pediatrician can work to make sure your child's needs are met during and after disasters, helping them stay healthy, safe and resilient.

10. Learn more by visiting Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

What to keep in mind as you build your disaster emergency kit