**Content Extraction Summary:** Complete guide to building a 72-hour emergency kit based on FEMA, Red Cross, and CDC guidelines. Covers water (storage, purification, containers), food (calorie-dense options, rotation, cooking), shelter (by scenario), first aid (three tiers), communication (radio, charging, contacts), tools, document protection, seasonal/regional customization, maintenance schedules, and kit variations for home, vehicle, and office. Includes full gear lists with quantities and cost estimates. Focused on tested, practical gear rather than survival-store gimmicks.

1. Introduction

FEMA's own data puts average disaster response time at 72 hours before organized aid reaches affected areas. After Hurricane Katrina, some neighborhoods waited five days. After the 2021 Texas winter storm, millions went a full week without power or running water. The 72-hour window is not a worst case. It is a minimum planning threshold.

Most people confuse owning a kit with having a plan. A kit is equipment. A plan is a set of decisions you have already made — where to go, how to get there, who you are meeting, and what triggers your departure. A kit without a plan is a bag of stuff you will forget to grab. A plan without a kit means you made good decisions but have nothing to execute them with.

The Department of Homeland Security's 2023 National Household Survey found that only 51% of U.S. households had supplies for three days. Of those, fewer than a third had actually rotated food and water within the recommended timeframe. That means roughly 17% of American households have a genuinely functional 72-hour kit.

This guide covers everything you need to build and maintain one. Every item listed has been tested in actual field use or validated by published emergency management standards. The total cost ranges from $150 for a bare-minimum solo kit to $600+ for a comprehensive family setup. Most of the expensive items — pack, sleeping bag, water filter — last 10+ years with basic care.

**Three rules before you start:**

1. Build for the disaster most likely to hit your area, not the one you saw on TV. 2. Every member of the household needs their own water and food allocation. One kit does not serve four people. 3. A kit you have never opened is a kit you cannot trust. Test every component before you need it.

2. Water

Water is the single most critical supply. You can survive weeks without food. Without water, cognitive function degrades within 24 hours and organ failure begins within 72. FEMA recommends one gallon per person per day as the minimum — half for drinking, half for sanitation and cooking.

**For a 72-hour kit, that means 3 gallons per person.**

A family of four needs 12 gallons minimum. That weighs roughly 100 pounds. This is why water is the first thing people under-pack, and the first thing they regret.

Storage

| Container | Capacity | Cost | Pros | Cons | |-----------|----------|------|------|------| | Store-bought bottled water (cases) | 1 gal jugs | $1-2/gal | Sealed, dated, portable | Plastic degrades in heat, bulky | | WaterBOB bathtub liner | 100 gal | $35 | Massive capacity with warning time | Only works if you have advance notice | | Scepter military water can | 5 gal | $25-35 | Durable, stackable, BPA-free | Heavy (40 lbs full) | | Reliance Aqua-Tainer | 7 gal | $15-20 | Cheap, spigot, stackable | Thin walls, replace every 3-5 years | | Nalgene/HDPE bottles | 1 qt-1 gal | $5-12 | Lightweight, nearly indestructible | Small capacity |

Rotation Schedule

  • **Store-bought sealed water:** Replace every 12 months. Manufacturer dates go to 2 years but plastic leaches in heat.
  • **Self-filled containers:** Replace every 6 months. Use 2-4 drops of unscented household bleach (8.25% sodium hypochlorite) per gallon when filling. Date every container with a permanent marker.
  • **Tip:** Set a calendar reminder. Rotate by using old water for garden or cleaning, then refilling.

Purification Options to Include

Every kit needs at least two purification methods. Infrastructure fails. Stored water can be contaminated or insufficient.

| Method | Cost | Treats | Speed | Weight | |--------|------|--------|-------|--------| | Sawyer Squeeze filter | $30-35 | 100,000 gal, bacteria + protozoa | Immediate | 3 oz | | Aquamira drops (chlorine dioxide) | $15 | 30 gal | 15-30 min wait | 2 oz | | Potable Aqua iodine tablets | $8-12 | 25 qts | 30 min wait | 1 oz | | MSR Guardian purifier | $350 | Virus + bacteria + protozoa | Immediate | 17 oz | | Rolling boil (1 min at sea level, 3 min above 6,500 ft) | Free | Everything but chemicals | Fuel-dependent | N/A |

**Recommended minimum:** Sawyer Squeeze ($30) plus Aquamira drops ($15) as chemical backup. Total: $45, weighs 5 oz, covers you for thousands of gallons.

Container Selection

Do not store water in milk jugs. The proteins left in the plastic culture bacteria regardless of sanitization. Use food-grade HDPE (recycling symbol #2) or PETE (#1) containers. Glass works but adds weight and breakage risk.

For your go-bag, carry 2-3 liters in Nalgene or collapsible Platypus bags and plan to filter or treat additional water from available sources.

3. Food

The average adult needs 2,000 calories per day at rest. Under stress — hauling gear, walking long distances, sleeping poorly — that number climbs to 2,500-3,000. For 72 hours, plan 6,000-9,000 calories per person.

Calorie-Dense Shelf-Stable Options

| Food | Calories/lb | Shelf Life | Cost/1000 cal | Notes | |------|-------------|------------|---------------|-------| | Peanut butter (jar) | 2,600 | 1-2 years | $1.50 | Dense, needs no cooking, high fat | | Granola bars (variety) | 1,800 | 6-12 months | $3-5 | Easy to eat on the move | | Canned tuna/chicken | 500-600 | 3-5 years | $4-6 | Protein source, needs can opener | | Ramen noodles | 1,800 | 1-2 years | $0.50 | Requires hot water, high sodium | | Mountain House freeze-dried | 1,600 | 25-30 years | $8-12 | Lightweight, requires hot water | | Clif Bars | 1,800 | 12 months | $5-7 | Good macros, taste tolerable | | Dried fruit and nuts | 2,400 | 6-12 months | $5-8 | Dense calories, no prep needed | | Crackers (pilot bread) | 1,800 | 5+ years | $4-6 | Lightweight, pairs with peanut butter | | Honey packets | 1,400 | Indefinite | $3-5 | Quick energy, never spoils | | Canned beans | 500 | 3-5 years | $1-2 | Protein + fiber, heavy |

Rotation Schedule

Adopt the "eat what you store, store what you eat" approach. Your emergency food should be things your family actually eats. Every 6 months, consume your kit food and replace it with fresh stock. Mark everything with a Sharpie: "REPLACE BY [date]."

Dietary Restrictions Planning

If someone in your household has celiac disease, a nut allergy, diabetes, or follows a specific diet, their kit must reflect that. Generic "emergency food buckets" from survival stores rarely accommodate restrictions. Build custom.

  • **Gluten-free:** Rice-based meals, canned goods, nut butters, dried fruit
  • **Nut allergies:** Sunflower seed butter, canned meats, rice cakes, fruit leather
  • **Diabetes:** Low-glycemic options, avoid pure sugar sources, include glucose tablets for emergencies
  • **Infant/toddler:** Formula (check expiration monthly), shelf-stable milk, pouches

Cooking Capability

You need the ability to boil water at minimum. Hot food matters for morale and calorie absorption.

| Stove | Fuel | Cost | Burn Time | Best For | |-------|------|------|-----------|----------| | Esbit folding stove + tabs | Hexamine tabs | $12 + $8/24 tabs | 12 min/tab | Ultra-light, boiling only | | MSR PocketRocket 2 | Isobutane canister | $45 + $6/canister | 60 min/8oz can | Fast boil, lightweight | | Solo Stove Lite | Wood (twigs) | $70 | Unlimited (needs fuel) | No fuel to carry | | Sterno can + stand | Gel fuel | $5 + $2/can | 2 hrs/can | Indoor-safe, cheap | | Jetboil Flash | Isobutane canister | $110 + $6/can | Integrated, efficient | Fastest boil time |

**Recommended minimum:** Esbit stove + 12 tabs ($20), a 750ml titanium pot ($25-40), and a long-handled spork ($5). Total: $50-65. Boils water for rehydrating meals and making coffee — which is not optional in a disaster.

4. Shelter

Exposure kills faster than dehydration. Hypothermia can set in at 50 degrees Fahrenheit in wet and windy conditions. Hyperthermia kills hundreds annually in the U.S. Your shelter strategy depends on your scenario.

Emergency Shelter Options by Scenario

**Vehicle shelter (most likely scenario for evacuation):**

  • You already have a roof, seats, and climate control (while fuel lasts)
  • Add: windshield sunshade, 12V blanket, window covers for privacy
  • Keep fuel above half-tank during threat seasons
  • Cost to supplement: $30-50

**Damaged building (sheltering in place after earthquake, tornado, storm):**

  • Interior rooms, away from windows
  • Add: heavy-duty tarp (10x12 minimum) for covering broken windows/roof holes
  • Plastic sheeting + duct tape for sealing a room (chemical/biological threats per FEMA guidance)
  • Cost: $25-40

**Field shelter (full evacuation, no vehicle, worst case):**

  • Tarp shelter: 10x10 silnylon tarp + 50ft paracord + 6 stakes = complete shelter for 1-2 people
  • Emergency bivvy: SOL Escape Bivvy — breathable, reflective, 8.5 oz
  • Ground insulation: closed-cell foam pad (Thermarest Z Lite or similar)
  • Cost: $60-120

Sleeping System

| Item | Cost | Weight | Temp Rating | Notes | |------|------|--------|-------------|-------| | SOL Emergency Bivvy | $15-20 | 3.8 oz | +50F boost | Single use or very limited reuse | | SOL Escape Bivvy | $40-50 | 8.5 oz | +50F boost | Breathable, reusable, worth the upgrade | | Kelty Cosmic 40 sleeping bag | $80-100 | 2 lbs | 40F | Three-season, compressible | | Surplus military sleep system | $80-150 | 8 lbs | -40F to 50F | Bomb-proof, heavy, modular | | Thermarest Z Lite Sol pad | $35-45 | 14 oz | R-value 2.0 | Closed-cell, indestructible | | Klymit Static V pad | $45-60 | 18 oz | R-value 1.3 | Inflatable, more comfort, puncture risk |

**Recommended minimum:** SOL Escape Bivvy ($45) + Thermarest Z Lite ($40) = $85. Covers you from 20F to 90F when combined with the clothes you are wearing. Under $100 and under 2 lbs.

Tarps and Cordage

  • **Tarp:** 10x10 silnylon ($40-60) or heavy-duty polyethylene ($10-15). Silnylon packs smaller. Poly is cheaper and tougher.
  • **Cordage:** 100 feet of 550 paracord ($8-12). Pre-cut into 25-foot sections. Learn two knots: taut-line hitch (adjustable tension) and bowline (non-slip loop).
  • **Stakes:** 6 aluminum Y-stakes ($8-10). Or use rocks and deadfall.

5. First Aid

A first aid kit is not a bag of Band-Aids. It is a decision tree in physical form. The Red Cross reports that bystander first aid — applied before EMS arrival — reduces mortality in traumatic injuries by up to 20%. In a disaster where EMS is unavailable, it is the only medical care you will have.

Tier 1: Basic (Individual, $25-40)

| Item | Qty | Purpose | |------|-----|---------| | Adhesive bandages (assorted) | 20 | Minor cuts, blisters | | Gauze pads (4x4) | 10 | Wound coverage | | Gauze roll (3 in) | 2 | Wrapping | | Medical tape (1 in) | 1 roll | Securing dressings | | Triple antibiotic ointment | 1 tube | Infection prevention | | Ibuprofen (200mg) | 20 tabs | Pain, inflammation, fever | | Acetaminophen (500mg) | 20 tabs | Pain, fever (liver-safe rotation with ibuprofen) | | Diphenhydramine (25mg) | 10 tabs | Allergic reactions, sleep aid | | Loperamide (2mg) | 10 tabs | Diarrhea (critical in water-contaminated scenarios) | | Electrolyte packets | 6 | Dehydration treatment | | Tweezers | 1 | Splinter/tick removal | | Nitrile gloves | 4 pair | Blood-borne pathogen protection | | Alcohol prep pads | 20 | Wound cleaning | | Moleskin | 1 sheet | Blister prevention | | SAM splint (36 in) | 1 | Fracture stabilization |

Tier 2: Intermediate (Family/Group, $60-100)

Everything in Tier 1, plus:

| Item | Qty | Purpose | |------|-----|---------| | Israeli bandage (6 in) | 2 | Pressure dressing for serious bleeding | | Celox hemostatic gauze | 1 pack | Stops bleeding in deep wounds | | Chest seal (vented) | 1 | Penetrating chest wounds | | Irrigation syringe (60ml) | 1 | Wound cleaning with pressure | | Triangular bandage | 2 | Sling, tourniquet, cravat | | Burn gel packets | 6 | Thermal burn treatment | | Oral rehydration salts | 10 packets | Severe dehydration | | Blood pressure cuff (manual) | 1 | Vitals monitoring | | Thermometer (digital) | 1 | Fever detection | | Steristrips/butterfly closures | 10 | Wound closure without sutures | | Emergency blanket (mylar) | 2 | Shock treatment, heat retention | | Shears (trauma) | 1 | Cutting clothing/seatbelts |

Tier 3: Trauma (Requires Training, $80-150)

Everything in Tiers 1 and 2, plus:

| Item | Qty | Purpose | |------|-----|---------| | CAT tourniquet (genuine, not knockoff) | 2 | Extremity hemorrhage control | | Nasopharyngeal airway (28Fr) | 1 | Airway management | | Decompression needle (14ga) | 1 | Tension pneumothorax (trained users only) | | Suture kit (nylon, assorted) | 1 | Wound closure | | Hemostats | 2 | Clamping | | Skin stapler | 1 | Rapid wound closure | | Surgical tape (wide) | 2 rolls | Securing chest seals, splints | | Cervical collar (adjustable) | 1 | Spinal precaution |

**Warning:** Tier 3 items without training can cause more harm than the original injury. Take a Stop the Bleed course ($0, offered free nationwide) and a Wilderness First Aid course ($200-350) before carrying trauma gear.

Medication List

**OTC (rotate every 12 months):**

  • Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, loperamide, antacids, hydrocortisone cream, glucose tablets

**Prescription (rotate per prescription schedule):**

  • Maintain a 30-day emergency supply of all daily medications
  • Ask your doctor for an extra prescription "for emergency preparedness" — most will comply
  • Insulin users: insulated case + cold packs, rotate with current supply
  • EpiPens: check expiration quarterly, carry two

6. Communication

After a disaster, your phone will likely have no cell service. Towers fail. Networks overload. The FCC reported that Hurricane Maria knocked out 95.6% of Puerto Rico's cell sites. Your communication plan cannot depend entirely on cellular infrastructure.

Radio

| Radio Type | Cost | Range | Purpose | |------------|------|-------|---------| | NOAA weather radio (Midland WR120B) | $25-30 | N/A (receive only) | Automated emergency alerts, storm tracking | | Baofeng UV-5R (ham HT) | $25-35 | 2-10 miles (direct), 30+ mi (repeater) | Two-way communication, requires Technician license ($15 exam) | | Meshtastic node (Heltec V3 or T-Beam) | $25-40 per node | 1-5 mi (urban), 10+ mi (line of sight) | Text mesh network, no license needed, no infrastructure needed | | FRS radio (Motorola T100/T200) | $25-40/pair | 0.5-2 miles (realistic) | Family comms, no license, limited range | | Midland MXT115 GMRS mobile | $100-150 | 5-15 miles | Vehicle-mount, requires GMRS license ($35, no exam) |

**Recommended minimum:** NOAA weather radio ($25) + pair of FRS radios ($30) + Meshtastic node ($35). Total: $90. You get weather alerts, short-range family communication, and an off-grid mesh text network.

The Meshtastic option deserves special attention. A $25-35 Heltec V3 board running Meshtastic firmware creates a LoRa mesh network that can relay text messages node-to-node with no cellular infrastructure, no internet, and no license. Each node in the mesh extends range. Five neighbors with Meshtastic nodes create a neighborhood communication network that works when everything else is down.

Phone Charging

| Power Bank | Capacity | Phone Charges | Cost | Weight | |------------|----------|---------------|------|--------| | Anker 313 (5,000 mAh) | 5,000 mAh | ~1 charge | $16 | 4 oz | | Anker 525 (20,000 mAh) | 20,000 mAh | ~4 charges | $35-40 | 13 oz | | Nitecore NB10000 (10,000 mAh) | 10,000 mAh | ~2 charges | $35 | 5.3 oz | | BioLite SolarPanel 5+ | 5W solar | Trickle charge | $50 | 13 oz | | Goal Zero Nomad 10 + Flip 12 | 10W solar + 3,350 mAh | Solar + 1 charge | $80-100 | 20 oz |

**Recommended minimum:** Anker 525 20,000 mAh ($40). Four full phone charges, USB-C and USB-A output. Charge it monthly. Add a solar panel ($50-80) only if you anticipate outages exceeding 72 hours.

**Sizing rule:** Your phone battery is roughly 3,000-5,000 mAh. A 20,000 mAh bank provides 4-5 full charges after conversion losses. Keep your phone in airplane mode during a disaster — it stretches battery life from hours to days.

Emergency Contacts

Print a paper copy. Laminate it or put it in a waterproof bag. Include:

  • Family members (cell + landline if applicable)
  • Out-of-state contact (FEMA recommends one — local lines overload, long-distance often works)
  • Doctor, pharmacy, insurance (policy numbers)
  • Employer
  • Children's school
  • Local emergency management office
  • Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
  • FEMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362

Program "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) contacts into your phone.

Rally Points

Designate two meeting locations before disaster strikes:

1. **Near your home:** A specific spot (not just "the front yard" — the mailbox, the big oak tree, a neighbor's porch). For house fires or localized events. 2. **Outside your neighborhood:** A known landmark 5-15 miles away. For evacuations. Everyone in the family knows this location. No communication needed.

Write both locations on your emergency contacts card.

7. Tools

Every tool in your kit should serve at least two purposes. Single-use gadgets waste space and money.

Core Tool List

| Tool | Recommended Model | Cost | Weight | Uses | |------|-------------------|------|--------|------| | Fixed-blade knife | Morakniv Companion | $15 | 4 oz | Cutting, batoning, food prep, first aid | | Multi-tool | Leatherman Wingman | $35-40 | 7 oz | Pliers, screwdrivers, can opener, file, blade | | Headlamp | Nitecore NU25 | $36 | 1 oz | Hands-free light, red mode for night vision | | Extra batteries | AAA or 18650 (match your light) | $5-15 | 2-4 oz | Lamp, radio backup | | Fire starting kit | Bic lighter + ferro rod + tinder | $8-12 | 3 oz | Fire for warmth, cooking, signaling, morale | | Duct tape | 20 ft wrapped around a pencil | $0 (from home roll) | 2 oz | Repair, sealing, splinting, blister care | | Zip ties (assorted) | 20 pack | $3-5 | 2 oz | Binding, repair, improvised tourniquet backup | | Paracord (550) | 100 ft | $8-12 | 7 oz | Shelter, clothesline, lashing, snare, shoelace | | Work gloves | Mechanix M-Pact | $25-30 | 5 oz | Debris handling, glass, sharp materials | | Whistle | Fox 40 Classic | $7 | 0.5 oz | Signaling (audible to 1 mile) | | Dust masks (N95) | 5 pack | $8-12 | 3 oz | Smoke, dust, particulates, disease | | Garbage bags (heavy duty) | 3 | $1 | 3 oz | Rain poncho, ground cover, water collection, waste | | Wrench (crescent, 8 in) | Any quality brand | $10-15 | 10 oz | Shut off gas/water valves | | Pry bar (small) | Stanley FatMax 10 in | $12-15 | 12 oz | Forced entry, debris removal |

**Total core tool cost:** $140-185 **Total core tool weight:** ~3.5 lbs

Knife Selection

Do not buy a $200 "survival knife." The Morakniv Companion ($15) is used by bushcraft instructors worldwide because it holds an edge, takes a beating, and costs less than lunch. Carbon steel version takes a sharper edge but rusts without care. Stainless version is maintenance-free.

Fixed blade, full or extended tang, 4-5 inch blade. That is the specification. Everything else is marketing.

Fire Starting Kit

Pack three methods:

1. **Bic lighter** ($2) — works 3,000+ times, waterproof when dry, cheap enough to pack three 2. **Ferro rod** ($5-8) — works wet, works at altitude, lasts 10,000+ strikes 3. **Tinder** — cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly (free, burns 3-5 minutes) stored in a waterproof container

You do not need a fire piston, a magnesium bar, or a bow drill kit. You need things that work when your hands are shaking.

8. Documents

In the aftermath of a disaster, you will need to prove who you are, what you own, and what coverage you have. People who lost documentation in Hurricane Harvey faced months-long delays in accessing FEMA assistance, insurance payouts, and even basic services.

Document Checklist

Store copies (not originals unless evacuating) in a waterproof container:

**Identity:**

  • [ ] Driver's license / state ID (photocopy, front and back)
  • [ ] Passport (photocopy of ID page)
  • [ ] Social Security card (photocopy)
  • [ ] Birth certificate (certified copy)
  • [ ] Marriage certificate (if applicable)

**Financial:**

  • [ ] Bank account numbers and institution contact info
  • [ ] Credit card numbers and customer service numbers
  • [ ] Recent tax return (first two pages)

**Insurance:**

  • [ ] Homeowner's / renter's policy number and agent contact
  • [ ] Auto insurance policy number and agent contact
  • [ ] Health insurance cards (photocopy)
  • [ ] Life insurance policy info

**Medical:**

  • [ ] Current medication list with dosages and prescribing doctors
  • [ ] Known allergies
  • [ ] Blood types for all family members
  • [ ] Immunization records
  • [ ] Copies of prescriptions
  • [ ] Medical device info (pacemaker model, etc.)

**Property:**

  • [ ] Property deed or lease agreement (photocopy)
  • [ ] Vehicle titles / registration (photocopy)
  • [ ] Home inventory (photos or video walkthrough of every room)
  • [ ] Serial numbers of high-value items

**Contacts:**

  • [ ] Emergency contacts list (see Section 6)
  • [ ] Attorney, accountant, financial advisor

Waterproof Storage

Use a waterproof document bag ($8-15) or a Pelican 1060 Micro Case ($25). Do not use Ziploc bags — they fail under pressure and age poorly.

Digital Backup

Scan everything. Store in three locations:

1. **Encrypted USB drive** in your kit ($10-15 for a 32GB drive) 2. **Cloud storage** — Google Drive, iCloud, or similar, in an encrypted folder 3. **Trusted family member** in a different geographic region

Use a password manager (Bitwarden is free) for the encryption keys. Write the master password on paper and store it in your physical kit.

9. Seasonal and Regional Customization

A kit built for Miami is wrong for Minneapolis. The Red Cross maintains region-specific preparedness guides, but few people read them. Here are the practical additions by threat type.

Hurricane Kit Additions

Applies to: Gulf Coast, Atlantic Seaboard, Hawaii

| Item | Purpose | Cost | |------|---------|------| | Extra water (5+ days) | Storm surge contaminates municipal water | $10-20 | | Plywood or hurricane panels | Window protection (pre-cut, labeled) | $50-200 | | Chain saw or hand saw | Post-storm debris clearing | $30-400 | | Mosquito netting + DEET | Standing water breeds mosquitoes within 48 hours | $15-25 | | Cash ($200+ in small bills) | ATMs and card readers down for days | $200 | | Waterproof bags (dry bags) | Everything floods | $15-30 | | Fuel cans (stabilized gas, 10+ gal) | Fuel shortages last 1-2 weeks post-hurricane | $40-60 |

Winter Storm Kit Additions

Applies to: Northern states, mountain regions, Texas (proven in 2021)

| Item | Purpose | Cost | |------|---------|------| | Sleeping bag rated to 0F or below | Hypothermia without heating | $80-200 | | Hand/toe warmers (24-pack) | Extremity warmth for 8+ hours each | $15-20 | | Insulated water containers | Prevent freezing | $15-30 | | Extra blankets (wool) | Wool insulates wet, synthetics do not | $30-60 | | Snow shovel (collapsible) | Egress, vehicle extraction | $15-25 | | Ice scraper + sand/kitty litter | Vehicle traction | $10-15 | | Pipe insulation / heat tape | Prevent burst pipes (shelter-in-place) | $15-30 | | Indoor-safe heater (Mr. Buddy) | Heat without power (requires ventilation) | $80-120 |

Wildfire Evacuation Kit

Applies to: Western states, increasingly Southeast and Northeast

| Item | Purpose | Cost | |------|---------|------| | N95 or P100 respirators | Smoke particulates cause acute respiratory damage | $15-25 | | Goggles (sealed) | Eye protection from ash and embers | $8-15 | | Long-sleeve cotton clothing | Ember protection (synthetics melt) | From closet | | Vehicle go-bag (pre-packed) | Wildfire evacuations happen in minutes, not hours | N/A (your main kit) | | External hard drive with home inventory | Insurance claims require proof of ownership | $40-60 | | Garden hose (100 ft, attached) | Ember suppression if staying to defend | $25-40 |

Earthquake Kit

Applies to: Pacific Coast, New Madrid Seismic Zone, Wasatch Front

| Item | Purpose | Cost | |------|---------|------| | Heavy leather gloves | Broken glass, debris | $15-25 | | Pry bar | Extrication from damaged structures | $12-15 | | Hard hat or helmet | Aftershock debris | $15-30 | | Heavy shoes (by the bed) | Glass-covered floors | From closet | | Wrench for gas shutoff | Gas line ruptures cause fires | $10-15 | | Whistle (on a lanyard, by bed) | Trapped under debris, voice will not carry | $7 |

Flood Kit Additions

Applies to: Floodplains, coastal areas, river valleys

| Item | Purpose | Cost | |------|---------|------| | Waterproof bags (multiple sizes) | Everything gets wet | $20-40 | | Inflatable life vests (PFD) | Flash floods kill through drowning | $25-50/person | | Rubber boots (knee-high) | Floodwater contains sewage, chemicals, debris | $20-40 | | Bleach (unscented) | Water purification and surface disinfection | $4 | | Extra garbage bags | Elevating belongings, temporary sandbags (filled with dirt) | $5 |

10. Maintenance

A kit you built three years ago and never touched is a liability, not an asset. Batteries corrode. Water grows algae. Food expires. Medications lose potency. The National Safety Council recommends reviewing emergency supplies every 6 months.

6-Month Rotation Schedule

**January and July** (or whatever two months you will actually remember):

**Water:**

  • [ ] Dump and refill all self-filled water containers
  • [ ] Check store-bought water for expiration dates and container integrity
  • [ ] Run water filter through clean water to verify flow rate
  • [ ] Replace chemical purification if within 6 months of expiration

**Food:**

  • [ ] Check all expiration dates — consume anything within 3 months of expiring
  • [ ] Replace consumed items with fresh stock
  • [ ] Verify can integrity (no bulging, rust, dents on seams)
  • [ ] Test stove function, verify fuel supply

**Batteries and Electronics:**

  • [ ] Remove and test all batteries (headlamp, radio, smoke detectors)
  • [ ] Replace any batteries below 75% charge
  • [ ] Charge all power banks to 80% (lithium batteries store best at 80%)
  • [ ] Verify radio reception (NOAA, FRS, ham)
  • [ ] Check Meshtastic node firmware and function

**First Aid:**

  • [ ] Check all medication expiration dates
  • [ ] Replace expired OTC medications
  • [ ] Verify prescription medications are current
  • [ ] Check adhesive integrity on bandages and tape
  • [ ] Replace any opened antiseptic tubes or ointments
  • [ ] Verify tourniquet windlass is not cracked (genuine CAT only)

**Documents:**

  • [ ] Update any changed insurance policies, contacts, or medical info
  • [ ] Verify digital backups are current and accessible
  • [ ] Replace any water-damaged paper copies

Annual Review Checklist (Pick One Day, Do It Every Year)

  • [ ] Review overall kit against current household size (new baby, elderly parent moved in, teenager left for college)
  • [ ] Update seasonal gear based on any regional risk changes
  • [ ] Replace any worn or damaged items (frayed cordage, cracked containers, dull knives)
  • [ ] Test all mechanical items (knife sharpness, multi-tool function, stove ignition)
  • [ ] Review and practice your family emergency plan (rally points, evacuation routes, contact procedures)
  • [ ] Verify vehicle kit is present and current
  • [ ] Replace fire extinguisher if gauge shows discharge
  • [ ] Take any needed refresher courses (CPR, Stop the Bleed)

11. Vehicle Kit vs. Home Kit vs. Office Kit

You spend roughly equal time at home, in a vehicle, and at work. A single kit at home means you are unprotected two-thirds of the time.

Home Kit (Primary, Most Complete)

This is your main kit. Everything listed in Sections 2-8 lives here. Store it in an accessible location — not the back of a closet behind holiday decorations. A hall closet near the front door, a garage shelf near the car, or a dedicated shelving unit.

**Total estimated cost (solo, comprehensive):** $400-600 **Total estimated cost (family of 4, comprehensive):** $800-1,200

Vehicle Kit (Always With You)

Scaled-down version. Stays in the trunk or cargo area year-round.

| Item | Notes | |------|-------| | Water: 2 liters + Sawyer Squeeze | Minimum hydration + purification | | Food: 2,400 cal (bars, peanut butter) | 24-hour supply | | First aid: Tier 1 kit | Basic medical | | Blanket: wool or emergency bivvy | Stranded overnight | | Headlamp + extra batteries | Roadside visibility | | Multi-tool | Universal problem solver | | Jumper cables or jump starter | Dead battery is the most common vehicle emergency | | Tow strap (20 ft, rated) | Stuck vehicle extraction | | Fix-a-Flat or plug kit + compressor | Tire failure | | Reflective triangles or LED flares | Visibility for roadside stops | | Rain poncho | Weather exposure | | Phone charger (12V + power bank) | Communication | | Cash ($50-100, small bills) | No-power transactions | | Paper maps (state + local) | GPS depends on phone and satellites | | Tire pressure gauge | Tire maintenance | | Window breaker / seatbelt cutter | Vehicle entrapment |

**Vehicle kit cost:** $100-175 **Replace/rotate:** Every 6 months, matching home kit schedule

**Temperature warning:** Vehicles reach 140F+ in summer and below freezing in winter. Medications, batteries, and water degrade rapidly. Use insulated bags and rotate more frequently in extreme climates.

Office Kit

Minimal. You need to get home or to your vehicle. That is the only job of an office kit.

| Item | Notes | |------|-------| | Walking shoes (comfortable, sturdy) | High heels and dress shoes will not get you 10 miles home | | Water: 1 liter bottle (refill daily) | Keep on your desk | | Food: 1,200 cal (bars, nuts) | One day | | First aid: basic (band-aids, meds, blister care) | Walking injuries | | Headlamp or small flashlight | Power outages, stairwells | | Phone charger cable + small power bank | Communication | | Dust mask (N95, 2-pack) | Building collapse dust, smoke | | Emergency contacts card | Paper backup | | Cash ($20-40) | Transit, vending, small purchases | | Light jacket or rain shell | Weather between office and car/home |

**Office kit cost:** $40-70 **Storage:** Desk drawer or small bag under desk

12. Sources

1. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "Build a Kit." Ready.gov. https://www.ready.gov/kit 2. American Red Cross. "Survival Kit Supplies." RedCross.org. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html 3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Emergency Preparedness and Response." CDC.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/emres/ 4. FEMA. "National Household Survey, 2023." https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/national-household-survey 5. Federal Communications Commission (FCC). "Hurricane Maria Communications Status Report." 2017. 6. National Safety Council. "Emergency Preparedness." NSC.org. 7. Department of Homeland Security. "National Preparedness Report, 2023." 8. Stop the Bleed National Campaign. https://www.stopthebleed.org/ 9. Meshtastic Project. https://meshtastic.org/ 10. Wilderness Medical Society. "Practice Guidelines for Wilderness Emergency Care."

`[practical-skills]` `[beginner]`