Emergency Supplies Checklist
Can You Go It Alone for Three Days
The first 72 hours after a major emergency or disaster
are critical. Electricity, gas, water, and telephones may
not be working. In addition, public safety services such
as police and fire departments will be busy handling
serious crises. You should be prepared to be self-
sufficient — able to live without running water,
electricity and/or gas, and telephones — for at least three
days following a major emergency. To do so, keep on
hand in a central location the following:
Essentials
Water — 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s
supply of water is preferable)
Water purification kit
First aid kit, freshly stocked
First aid book
Food
Can opener (non-electric)
Blankets or sleeping bags
Portable radio, flashlight and spare batteries
Essential medications
Extra pair of eyeglasses
Extra pair of house and car keys
Fire extinguisher — A-B-C type
Food, water and restraint (leash or carrier) for pets
Cash and change
Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap and
baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes,
disposable diapers, canned food and juices.
Sanitation Supplies
Large plastic trash bags for waste; tarps and rain
ponchos
Large trash cans
Bar soap and liquid detergent
Shampoo
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Feminine hygiene supplies
Toilet paper
Household bleach
Safety and Comfort
Sturdy shoes
Heavy gloves for clearing debris
Candles and matches
Light sticks
Change of clothing
Knife or razor blades
Garden hose for siphoning and firefighting
Tent
Communication kit: paper, pens, stamps
Cooking
Plastic knives, forks, spoons
Paper plates and cups
Paper towels
Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Camping stove for outdoor cooking (caution: before
using fire to cook, make sure there are no gas leaks;
never use charcoal indoors)
Tools and Supplies
Axe, shovel, broom
Adjustable wrench for turning off gas
Tool kit in