Editor's Note: Additional supplies to keep at home or in your car may be recommended based on the types of disasters common to your area.

​Non-Food Items:

• A note to remind you what you still need to take care of (e.g., get medical equipment; charge cell phones)

• Cell phone charger

• Crank or battery-powered radio, flashlights

• Extra batteries

• First aid kit (include acetaminophen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID, antibiotic cream and antacids) and manual.

• Prescription medications (month's supply recommended).

  • Medicine should be clearly labeled and kept separate from other supplies. Always have one refill left on prescription medicine, especially for chronic conditions such as diabetes.

• Photocopies of prescriptions (pharmacy records may not be available right away)

• Credit card and cash

• Personal identification and current family identification photos

• Spare set of car keys

• Extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Whistle

• Map of the area

• List of important phone numbers

• Special items for babies/young children/elderly.

• Three-day supply of water (one gallon per day per person)

• Toiletries (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer) and toilet paper

• Paper and pencils

• Masking or duct tape

• Water purification method (e.g., bleach or tablets)

• Plastic bucket with a tight lid

• Plastic garbage bags

• Non-electric can opener and utility knife (like a Swiss Army knife)

• Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils

• Blankets or sleeping bags

• A change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes for each family member.

  • In warm weather climates, you may also want to include sunscreen and insect repellant

• Disposable gloves

• Rope

• Sensory toys or calming devices (e.g., weighted vests, chew toys, fidget toys, white noise or sound machines, blankets)

• Baby supplies such as diapers, formula, baby food, and wipes

Food Items:

• Peanut butter and jelly

• Ready-to-eat canned soup, canned meat, milk, fish, fruit and vegetables (three day supply, including pet food)

• Bread/crackers stored in waterproof bag or container

• Powdered or single serve drinks

• Cereal/granola bars

• Protein bars

• Packaged condiments

For Pets:

• A two-week supply of dry and canned food

• Water (1/2 gallon per day)

• Litter box supplies

• Traveling cage

Important Documents:

Make two copies and keep the originals of the following documents in a safe-deposit box or waterproof container. Consider storing these on a flash drive or online. Keep one copy on hand and give the second to your contact.

• Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, and investment information

• Passports, social security cards, immunization records, and medical information or emergency information forms

• Bank account numbers, credit card account numbers

• List of valuable household goods

• Family records and photos (e.g., birth, adoption, and marriage certificates), current children's photos

• Pet records (vaccination records and medical information)

• List of accounts with log-in information and passwords

​Search for open shelters and open disaster recovery centers near you: Text SHELTER and a zip code to 43362.

Additional Information:

• Understanding Disasters

• How to Build an Essential Summer First Aid Kit