Emergency Kit Checklist for Kids and Families | CDC (2024)

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  3-day water supply (at least a gallon per person per day)
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  3-day supply of non-perishable food (dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc.)
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  Manual can opener
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  Mess kits, paper plates, plastic cups, utensils
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  Paper towels
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  First aid kit
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  Flashlights with extra batteries
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  Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries
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  Whistle to signal for help
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  Local maps
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  Sleeping bag or warm blanket for everyone in your family
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  Cell phone with charger, extra battery, and solar charger
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  Extra set of car keys and house keys
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  Change of clothes appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes – for each person in the house
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  Matches in a waterproof container or re-sealable plastic bag
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  Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and hand sanitizer
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  Cash or traveler’s checks
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  Copies of important family documents (medical records, insurance policies, ID card, bank records) in waterproof, portable container
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  Family and emergency contact information
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  At least a two-week supply of prescription medicines for each family member, including medicine name, dose, pharmacy name and number, and doctor’s name and number
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  Non-prescription medicines, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, antacids and laxatives

Consider including these items:

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  Books, games, puzzles, or other fun things to do
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  A favorite stuffed animal or blanket
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  Paper and pencil/markers/crayons
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  Identification to be carried by each child in case your family members become separated

Consider these items in addition to the basic kit, if appropriate:

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  A well-stocked diaper bag (at least one pack of diapers, at least two packs of baby wipes, baby powder, diaper rash cream, baby wash and lotion, and re-sealable plastic bags (gallon size) for stashing dirty diapers and clothes)
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  Ready-to-feed infant formula in single serving cans or bottles (for formula-fed infants only)
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  Disposable cups
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  1-2 boxes of nursing pads (if disposable, reusable will require laundry and bleach daily)
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  Burp rags or smaller blanket
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  Pacifiers (at least two)
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  Teething tablets or gel
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  Infant pain reliever with Acetaminophen
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  Bulb syringe
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  Toddler snacks
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  Extra clothes
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  Extra emergency blankets (at least two)
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  Receiving blankets (at least two)
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  Thermos (to keep formula cool or warm longer)
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  Small camp stove for boiling water for sanitizing

Stock up on items your pet may need during a disaster.

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  Water (3-day supply per pet)
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  Pet food (3-day supply)
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  Food/water bowls
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  Medical records
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  Two-week supply of medicines (if any)
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  Pet Emergency Kit Checklist [PDF – 172KB]
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  Disposable litter trays for cats
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  Cat litter, newspaper or paper toweling
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  Puppy pads
  
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  Disposable bags for clean up
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  Crate or sturdy carrier
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  Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)
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  Toys and/or treats
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  Blanket
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  Extra collar with nametag and contact information
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  Extra leash

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  Medical alert bracelet or necklace (if your child has a long-standing medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes, or needs special attention, see our additional checklist for families of Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs)
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  Fire extinguisher
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  Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
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  Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
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  Glasses and contact lens solution
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  Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
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  Moist towelettes or baby wipes
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  Toilet paper (at least two rolls)
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  Tissues
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  Sunblock
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  Hand sanitizer
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  Extra emergency blankets for everyone in your family
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  Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
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  Dust mask, plastic sheeting, and duct tape to help filter contaminated air and shelter in place
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  Latex gloves or an alternative (such as nitrile or vinyl gloves) for individuals with latex allergies