Emergency Kits, 1 Gallon of Water a Day Each, Food for Days
For an emergency kit, plan on 1 gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation, and at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food: Ready.gov says that after an emergency you may need to survive on your own for several days. Pack items in airtight plastic bags, then put them in one or two easy-to-carry containers.
Keep a kit at home, at work and in your car: at work, be prepared to shelter for at least 24 hours, and the car kit is in case you get stranded.
The basic kit
Ready.gov’s list (Ready.gov build a kit):
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Radio: a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, plus a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- First aid kit.
- Whistle: to signal for help.
- Dust mask: to help filter contaminated air.
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape: to shelter in place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties: for personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers: to turn off utilities.
- Manual can opener.
- Local maps.
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
Add what your household needs
- Medications: prescription medications and over-the-counter ones such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives; prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution.
- Baby supplies: infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream.
- Pets: pet food and extra water.
- Cash.
- Important documents: copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records.
- Warmth and clothing: a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, a complete change of clothes for your climate, and sturdy shoes.
- Other: a fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, hygiene items, mess kits and utensils, paper and pencil, and books or games for children.
Keeping it ready
- Canned food: keep it in a cool, dry place.
- Boxed food: store it in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
- Replace expired items: swap out anything that has expired.
- Check every year: rethink your needs every year and update the kit as your family changes.
For official alerts on your phone and finding shelters by text, see Free FEMA App Alerts for 5 Places, Texts Find Shelters; for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, see Smoke and CO Alarms on Each Level, Test Smoke Alarms Monthly; for what to do in an earthquake, see In a Quake, Drop, Cover, Hold On, Secure Heavy Items First.
What this article did not check
- How many days “several” means: this Ready.gov page doesn’t give a number, so this article doesn’t either.
- Which disasters are common where you live: this article did not check.
Frequently asked questions
How much water should I store?
1 gallon per person per day for several days, covering both drinking and sanitation.
How many days of food?
Ready.gov says at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food and doesn’t give a specific number.
Where should I keep the kit?
At home, in a set place everyone knows, ready to grab if you have to leave quickly; keep one at work and in the car too.
How often should I check it?
Replace expired items, rethink your needs every year, and update it as your family changes.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-31.
- Ready.gov, Build A Kit (page updated 2026-07-01):https://www.ready.gov/kit