Survival Kit Suggestions

Build a go bag - aka a "bug out bag" - that has everything you'll need in a backpack or two if you have to evacuate with little notice. It's the kind of bag you should keep ready year-round.

• Air horns or whistles, to call for help
• Assorted batteries, including for hearing aids
• Backpacks, sturdy and waterproof
• Can opener (manual, never electric)
• Cash (no power or cell service means no credit cards or mobile payments)
• Disinfecting wipes
• Extra clothing and socks, including something warm in case it gets cold
• First-aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Handheld lanterns
• Headlamp and batteries
• Identification, insurance card, etc.
• Insect repellent
• NOAA Weather Radio, battery or hand-crank
• Non-prescription medication (anti-diarrheal, pain relievers, etc.)
• Pandemic masks (N95 or KN95 masks; do not rely on cloth or surgical masks)
• Pens and paper (don't run down your phone battery by writing stuff down)
• Personal wipes (antibacterial)
• Phone charging cables, wall chargers
• Portable power banks for smartphones, tablets
• Rain jacket and pants/poncho
• Rubber boots
• Safety work gloves
• Spare contacts and eyeglasses (also eyedrops)
• Spare keys to homes, businesses and vehicles
• Sturdy boots or shoes (and a backup pair)
• Sunscreen, lip balm
• Sleeping bags
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
• Water purification tablets
• Waterproof folders, for documents and photos
• Waterproof matches and lighter

If you lose power after a storm, if your home or neighborhood gets hit hard, or if help is unable to reach you for a while, this gear will make your wait at home much easier. If you have camping gear, you're already in good shape.

• Bleach (to clean up mold)
• Carbon monoxide detector, battery-powered (for gas-powered generators)
• Can opener (manual, never electric)
• Disinfecting wipes
• Duct tape
• Extra water (fill bathtubs for flushing)
• Hand soap
• Fan, battery-operated
• Fire extinguisher
• First-aid kit
• Garbage bags, plastic sheeting (for garbage and covering broken windows)
• Insect repellent, insect candles
• Long-handle squeegees for scraping mud out of a flooded home
• Laser pointer, to attract help in the dark (aiming one at an aircraft is a federal crime)
• Laundry detergent, bucket for washing clothes
• NOAA Weather Radio, battery or hand-crank
• Pandemic masks (N95 or KN95 masks; do not rely on cloth or surgical masks)
• Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
• Paper towels (better than sponges if there's no water)
• Personal wipes (antibacterial)
• Portable air-conditioner that can run off a generator
• Portable camping stove
• Portable generator (never operate one indoors; beware of carbon monoxide poisoning)
• Portable power banks for smartphones and tablets
• Powerful flashlight
• Rags, sponges, and mops for cleanup
• Safety work gloves
• Spray paint (to paint address, insurance carrier on house)
• Surge protectors or power strips
• Tarps (for damaged roofs, walls, and windows)
• Termite bait and ant poison
• Toilet paper
• Tool kit
• Toothbrushing pads (when water is in short supply)
• Wrench or pliers, to turn utilities on and off

In an emergency, your vehicle may be the safest place you can stay after a storm or you may get stranded in it unexpectedly. So make sure it has what your family needs.

• Car shovel/pick
• Cash (tow trucks and repair shops may not take electronic payment)
• Chemical light sticks (Halloween type)
• Disinfecting wipes
• Duct tape
• Emergency blankets
• Flashlights
• Fire extinguisher
• First-aid kit
• Fuse kit
• Garbage bags, plastic sheeting (for garbage and covering broken windows)
• Jumper cables
• Maps, map books (physical, not digital; must be up-to-date)
• Multi-tool
• Personal wipes (antibacterial)
• Phone cables
• Pocket knife
• Portable air compressor
• Portable jump starter
• Power inverter, for charging devices
• Safety work gloves
• Spare tire (that actually works)
• Tire jack
• Tire sealant, puncture repair kit
• Vehicle registration, proof of insurance
• Water repellent
• Wipes

Whether evacuating or staying, children need a storm kit, too. Their needs vary by age and remember to get 30 days' worth of their prescription medications in advance, too. If you're breastfeeding, experts say to keep a week's worth of powdered formula on hand, just in case.

• Baby food
• Baby wipes
• Blankets, pillows
• Books, games, playing cards, puzzles (do not rely on tablets to entertain children)
• Child's insurance ID
• Clean bottles
• Diapers
• Drawing paper, crayons, markers, pens
• Dry, extra clothing and underwear
• Formula
• Kid-friendly canned goods
• Medical alert bracelet (if needed)
• Non-prescription medication (anti-diarrheal, pain relievers, etc.)
• Personal wipes (antibacterial)
• Sturdy shoes, rubber boots
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
• Toys (that can be damaged or lost)

If you're staying home, make your life easier and get your pet's storm kit ready now. Getting your pet microchipped will help ensure you'll be reunited with your pet if you're separated. Keep your microchip contact information up to date. Also, make sure your pet is wearing a tag with your current contact information. Some shelters do accept pets, but you'll still need to pack up their gear. View the CDC's pet emergency kit checklist online.

• Blanket
• Cat litter, newspaper, and even paper towels
• Crate or sturdy carrier
• Disposable litter trays for cats
• Disposable bags for pet clean-up
• Extra collar with updated pet tag, contact information
• Extra leashes
• Medications, 30-day supply
• Medical records
• Muzzle
• Pet first-aid kit
• Pet food, a seven-day supply
• Pet microchip (keep updated)
• Pet toys
• Pet wipes
• Portable food and water bowls
• Puppy pads
• Recent photos of pets (in case you're separated)
• Service animal supplies
• Treats

You can buy a ready-made first-aid kit or build a robust one yourself.

• Allergy medication
• Aloe
• Antacid
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Antihistamine cream
• Antiseptic agent
• Antiseptic wipes
• Aspirin, pain-relievers
• Burn relief spray
• Cotton balls/swabs
• Eyewash
• First-aid manual
• Hand sanitizer
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Instant cold compress
• Latex gloves
• Laxative
• Moistened towelettes
• Mosquito repellent
• Petroleum jelly
• Safety pins
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Soap
• Splint
• Sterile adhesive bandages (all sizes)
• Sterile gauze pads
• Sunscreen
• Triangular bandages
• Thermometer
• Tweezers