Emergency Home Supplies - National Safety Council

Every home should have an emergency supply kit located in an accessible storage area. It's best if you store the items in plastic containers that are easy to grab and carry. Kits should be checked every six months, and expired items should be replaced.

Emergency kits are meant to help you survive not only during an emergency, but also during the aftermath. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after a tornado in Marion, Illinois, 50% of the tornado-related injuries were suffered during rescue attempts, cleanup and other post-tornado activities.

Home emergency supply kits should include:

One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
Three days-worth of nonperishable protein-packed foods you can cook without electricity, such as tuna, peanut butter and granola bars, and don't forget about food for your pets
Can opener
Hand-crank or battery-powered radio with extra batteries
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
Tool kit with basic tools, in case you need to shut off utilities
Hand sanitizer and garbage bags for sanitation
Plastic sheeting and duct tape in case of broken windows or a leaky roof
Whistle to signal for help so rescuers can locate you

Here's What to Keep at Home in an Emergency Supply Kit

Emergency Supplies for Car

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