Emergency kit checklist (US): the Ready.gov supplies list, explained

Updated on October 27, 2026How these pages are written (in French)

This page is for households in the United States. It is an independent summary of the Basic Disaster Supplies Kit published on Ready.gov, the preparedness website of FEMA, and of Ready.gov's pages on water, food and family plans. The original guidance and a printable checklist are free at ready.gov/kit.

Ready.gov's Basic Disaster Supplies Kit (page last updated 07/01/2026) asks for water and non-perishable food for several days. In October 2026, the kit page did not state 72 hours, 3 days or two weeks.

For a kit kept at work, Ready.gov asks for enough supplies to shelter for at least 24 hours, in a grab-and-go case.

Ready.gov also asks you to think about your household's unique needs, such as supplies for pets or seniors, and to update the kit every year.

Ready.gov's water page (last updated 02/22/2021) asks you to store at least 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.

The same page explains why the figure is a minimum:

• A normally active person needs about three-quarters of a gallon of fluid a day, from water and other drinks. Needs vary with age, health, activity, diet and climate.
• Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water. A medical emergency may need more too.
• In warm climates more water may be needed, and in very hot temperatures, water needs can double.

Since Ready.gov leaves the number of days open, here is the minimum per day:

Multiply by the number of days you plan for. Pets need their own extra water, according to Ready.gov's kit page.

Ready.gov's water guidance:

• Store-bought bottled water: keep it in its sealed original container, in a cool, dark place.
• Your own containers: use food-grade water storage containers. Wash them with dishwashing soap, then sanitize them with a diluted solution of unscented household bleach.
• Replace water that you bottled yourself every six months.

Ready.gov's water page says water that looks suspicious, such as cloudy tap water or water from streams or ponds, can be used after treatment. First, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom, or strain it through coffee filters or layers of clean cloth. Ready.gov then lists three methods:

• Boiling, which Ready.gov calls the safest method: bring the water to a rolling boil for 1 full minute, then let it cool before drinking. Pouring it between clean containers improves the taste. Ready.gov does not mention altitude; the EPA says to boil water for three minutes at altitudes above 5,000 feet.
• Chlorine bleach: Ready.gov says to use only regular household liquid bleach containing 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite, and not to use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. For bleach of that strength, add 1/8 teaspoon per gallon of water, stir, and wait 30 minutes. The water should smell slightly of bleach. If it does not, repeat the dose and wait another 15 minutes. If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another water source.
• Distillation: boil water and collect only the condensed vapor. Ready.gov notes that it removes microbes that resist boiling and chlorination, as well as heavy metals, salts and most other chemicals.

Two details from the EPA and the CDC that Ready.gov's water page does not give: if the water is cloudy, colored or very cold, double the amount of bleach. And bleach sold today may be labeled 6 or 8.25 percent: the 1/8 teaspoon dose is for 5.25 to 6.0 percent bleach. For 8.25 percent bleach, the EPA gives a smaller dose, 6 drops per gallon of water (8 drops for 6 percent bleach). Check the label before you dose.

Ready.gov's food page (last updated 03/12/2026) asks for at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food. It adds two rules: choose foods your family will eat, and account for special dietary needs.

Foods Ready.gov suggests:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, with a manual can opener.
• Protein or fruit bars.
• Dry cereal or granola.
• Peanut butter.
• Dried fruit.
• Canned juices.
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk.
• High-energy foods.
• Food for infants.
• Comfort or stress foods.

Ready.gov also says to throw away any food that has come into contact with floodwater.

Ready.gov's basic list, grouped by need:

• Water and food: 1 gallon of water per person per day for several days; a several-day supply of non-perishable food; a manual can opener.
• Information: a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert; a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery; local maps.
• Light: a flashlight and extra batteries.
• Health: a first aid kit.
• Signal and air: a whistle to signal for help; a dust mask to help filter contaminated air; plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place.
• Sanitation: moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties.
• Tools: a wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

Ready.gov's list of additional emergency supplies depends on who lives with you:

• Medicine and eyes: prescription medications; non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives; prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution.
• Hygiene: soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes; feminine supplies and personal hygiene items.
• Babies: infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream.
• Pets: pet food and extra water for your pet.
• Money and papers: cash or traveler's checks; copies of important family documents such as insurance policies, identification and bank account records, saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container.
• Warmth and clothing: a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; a complete change of clothing suited to your climate, and sturdy shoes.
• Fire: a fire extinguisher; matches in a waterproof container.
• Eating: mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils.
• Other: paper and pencil; books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.

Ready.gov does not give an amount for cash.

Ready.gov asks you to store items in airtight plastic bags and to put the whole kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers. It suggests three locations:

• Home: in a designated place, ready in case you have to leave quickly.
• Work: enough supplies to shelter for at least 24 hours, including food, water and medicines, in a grab-and-go case.
• Car: a kit of emergency supplies in case you are stranded.

To maintain the kit, Ready.gov says to keep canned food in a cool, dry place, store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers, replace expired items, and rethink your needs every year as your family changes.

Ready.gov's food page says:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. An unopened refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
• Keep refrigerated food at 40°F or below, and check with a refrigerator thermometer.
• Throw out perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers that has been above 40°F for 2 hours or more.

Ready.gov's plan page (last updated 09/01/2026) has four steps: meet with your family or household, assess your household's needs, document your plan, and practice it.

When you tailor the plan, Ready.gov lists factors to consider:

• Ages of household members, and who is responsible for helping others.
• Places you visit often.
• Dietary needs, and medical needs including prescriptions and equipment.
• Disabilities or access and functional needs, including devices and equipment.
• Languages spoken, and cultural and religious considerations.
• Pets or service animals.
• School-aged children.

The plan page also asks you to know how you will contact one another and reconnect if you are separated.

• Ready.gov (FEMA), Build a Kit: Basic Disaster Supplies Kit, additional supplies, maintenance, storage locations, last updated 07/01/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Water: quantities, storage, treatment, last updated 02/22/2021 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Food: suggested foods, storage, power outage food safety, last updated 03/12/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Make a Plan: plan steps and household needs, last updated 09/01/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• Ready.gov (FEMA), Home Fires: when to call 9-1-1, last updated 02/26/2026 (accessed 27 October 2026)
• US Environmental Protection Agency, Emergency disinfection of drinking water: cloudy water, bleach strength, altitude (accessed 27 October 2026)
• CDC, Water emergencies: cloudy water, double dose of bleach (accessed 27 October 2026)
• FCC, 911 services: official emergency number (accessed 27 October 2026)

This is an independent website, not affiliated with or endorsed by FEMA or the US Government.