Building a Kit

What should be in your kit? Basic supplies needed: Water, Food, Local maps, cell phones, phone chargers and a backup battery, soap and hand sanitizer, prescription medicines, Battery-powered hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. Flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, whistle, plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.

The Essentials of a to-go kit:

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for several days.

Attend a NYS Citizen Preparedness Training

What belongs in your kit?

After an emergency occurs you may be forced to survive on your own for several days. Building a kit can be the difference between having the items needed to stay alive or not. There are basic supplies that belong in a supply kit and there are also additional supply unique to each individual. Read through the following items that could belong in your kit. You can download a printable version of these items below to take with you to the store.

Emergency Supply list

Basic Supplies Kit

Each supply kit should feature these basic but crucial items needed to handle the time after an emergency.

Water

Food

Radio

Flashlight

First aid kit

Extra batteries

Whistle

Dust mask

Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties

Local maps

Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Manual can opener

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Every kit will be different to meet the needs of each individual in a family or household. Consider these items when adding additional items to your emergency supply kit.

Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes

Prescription medications

Non-prescription medications such as pain relivers, anti diarrhea, antacids or laxatives

Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler’s checks

Important documents insurance policies, ID, and bank account records

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining a kit

It is important to continually update your kit as the months and years go by. This ensures everything is up to date and not past any items expiration date

Maintaining your kit. After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed: Kit maintenance Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace expired items as needed.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations: Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars. Home & Car: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car. Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.

Onondaga County

Building a Kit

The Essentials of a to-go kit:

What belongs in your kit?

Basic Supplies Kit

Additional Emergency Supplies

Maintaining a kit

Learn more ways to stay prepared

Making a Plan

Receiving Emergency Alerts

Steps to Preparedness