An emergency supply kit is an essential resource to have available in your residence or vehicle. Your kit doesn’t have to be fancy but it should contain items you may need if you are stuck in your residence or vehicle for an extended period of time or need to deal with an emergency situation. You can buy everything at once or add items slowly to your regular shopping list.
Review this list of items and add these items to a small backpack or storage box.
General Items
- First aid kit – containing adhesive bandages, gauze pads, rolled gauze, first aid tape, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, exam gloves, and a pain relief medication like ibuprofin or acetaminophen
- Flashlight with extra batteries and/or glow sticks
- Emergency blanket
- Duct tape
- Non-perishable food – energy or granola bars, canned fruit or meat with pop tops or a manual can opener
- By using foods you regularly eat you can cycle new food into your kit to keep it fresh
- Bottled water
- Extra cash
- Cell phone charger
- Whistle
- Multi-tool with scissors, screwdriver, pliers, etc.
- Travel size personal toiletries – toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, shampoo, soap, contact lens solution and case, etc.
- Rain poncho
- Hand warmers
Personal Items
- Copy of driver’s license/passport
- List of emergency contacts with phone numbers
- 3 day supply of prescription medications
- Extra pair of prescription eyeglasses
Check your emergency supply kit at the beginning of each semester and replace any missing or expired items.
Now that you have your emergency supplies, visit the preparedness training web page to view opportunities to improve your emergency skills.