10/25/2026
With winter coming always be prepared! Some excellent tips below to help!
Disaster Preparedness
Listen
Focus
Build a Kit
Build an emergency supply kit with accessible and affordable items in the event of disaster, lost power, unsafe travel conditions or extended shelter-in-place orders. You need supplies ready to safely stay in place until the emergency passes.
Different types of kits:
Emergency shelter-in-place kit: for an extended stay at home (three or more days).
Go-bag: for immediate rapid evacuation of the home — a scaled-down version of the emergency shelter-in-place kit.
Travel kit: for your vehicle or if you are traveling for work or vacation.
What to keep in your car for emergencies:
Water – one gallon per person per day, including water and a container for your pets
Cell phone car charger
First-aid kit and medications (list of first aid kit items towards bottom of page)
COVID-19 personal protective items – masks, disinfecting wipes, travel-sized soap for washing hands, hand sanitizer
Snacks that will not be affected by the heat in the car
Emergency contact list in waterproof container or sealed sandwich bag
Personal hygiene items – toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and soap
Whistle to signal for help
Cash – ATM and credit card machines may be out of service in event of power outages
Blanket, towel
Flashlight with extra fresh batteries
Rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes
Basic set of tools, duct tape, shovel, and car emergency warning devices (flares or reflectors)
Jumper cables
Tarp
Raincoat or poncho
Gloves
Special-needs items for children – medications, toys, infant formula, and diapers
Special-needs items for seniors or people with disabilities – medications, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, dentures and cleaner, and personal care items
Pen, pencil, and paper in waterproof bag
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Matches in a waterproof container
Basic Emergency Kit:
Water – one gallon per person per day
Food – non-perishable, three-day supply, and can opener if kit contains canned food
First aid kit and medications (list of first aid kit items towards bottom of page)
Personal hygiene items – toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, and soap
COVID-19 personal protective items – masks, disinfecting wipes, travel-sized soap for washing hands, hand sanitizer
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand crank radio
Extra batteries for radio, flashlight, etc. – periodically check the expiration dates of your batteries and replace as necessary
Heavy work gloves
Whistle to signal for help
Cash – ATM and credit card machines may be out of service in event of power outages
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils
Cell phone power bank or car charger
Copy of important documents in waterproof portable container or sealed Ziploc bags
Recent photos of your children in waterproof portable container or sealed Ziploc bags
Special-needs items for children – medications, toys, infant formula, and diapers
Special-needs items for seniors or people with disabilities – medications, glasses, hearing aids and batteries, dentures and cleaner, and personal care items
Complete change of clothing for each person – weather and season appropriate, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, underwear, socks, sturdy shoes, and rain gear
Blankets or sleeping bags
Pen, pencil, and paper in waterproof bag
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Garbage bags and plastic ties
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
First Aid Kit:
Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes
Disposable gloves (consider nitrile to avoid possible latex allergy problems)
Masks (at least 2 per person just in case one is lost)
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
Sterile dressings and gauze
Ointments – antibiotic, burn, anti-itch
Eye wash solution
Scissors
Over-the-counter medicines – pain relievers, allergy relievers, anti-diarrheal medication, laxatives
Prescription medications – insulin, heart medicine, asthma inhaler or other breathing treatment
Prescribed medical supplies – glucose monitoring equipment, blood pressure monitors
Tourniquet (to learn about how to Stop the Bleed, including how to use a tourniquet, visit StopTheBleed.org(link opens in new tab))
For your Pets:
Additional water and food – recommended 1 gallon per pet per day
Collar with ID tag, leash or harness, and record of microchip
Medications and first-aid kit
Important documents in a plastic zip-top bag, including: medical and vaccination records; license and microchip numbers; and any special instructions for your pet
Current photos of you with your pet in waterproof portable container or sealed Ziploc bags
Transport crate or carrier
Bedding and toys
Sanitation supplies, such as waste bags, litter and box, paper towels, and cleaner
Garbage bags and plastic ties
Blankets or sleeping bags and pet bedding
Special-needs items
Vet records (including license, vaccination, and microchip)
Pet containment (crate or carrier) and restraint (collar with ID tag, leash, and harness)
Additional Tips:
Replace expired items as needed. Consider reviewing items at least twice a year, like during the time change.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your household needs change.
Consider adding items as the seasons change, like adding a blanket, gloves and a scarf to your vehicle kit.
