In a disaster, the most valuable resources are the ones you have on hand. Prepare your family or business by building an emergency kit.
For more than 30 years, Convoy of Hope has responded to crises around the world, from hurricanes and wildfires to earthquakes and humanitarian emergencies. Through it all, one truth stands firm: Preparation saves lives.
That’s why Convoy encourages families and business owners to build a disaster preparedness kit before disaster strikes. Disaster kits take the basics of survival, as well as other commonly recommended items for an emergency supply kit, and breaks them down into five phases. You can add each section to your kit individually one week at a time or create your kit all at once. It’s not a matter of how quickly you complete your kit, only that you do.
Here’s a simple five-phase approach to creating your own emergency kit:
- Water. Water is crucial for drinking and sanitation, so start building your kit with the most essential needs. Store at least one gallon per person per day for three days. Account for children, pets, and individuals with special medical needs. Store water in clean, sealed plastic containers and rotate your supply every six months. Consider freezing water in plastic bottles. That can help keep food and medicine cool during a power outage and become drinkable once melted.
- Non-perishable food. Plan for three days’ worth of food per person. Choose your household’s favorite canned goods, dry snacks, and packaged comfort foods that don’t require refrigeration or water to prepare. Don’t forget a manual can opener and disposable utensils.
- Warmth, light, and power. Include blankets, flashlights, batteries, and weather-appropriate clothing. Pack one flashlight per person with extra batteries, ideally lithium, that can last up to 10 years. Include a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed about emergency updates.
- Clean air, first aid, and hygiene. Include N95 masks to protect against airborne particles, especially in situations like wildfires or flooding. Build a complete first aid kit with gloves, bandages, disinfectants, and over-the-counter medications. Each family member should have a bag of personal hygiene items, such as toothbrushes, soap, and sanitation supplies. Store at least a week’s worth of prescription medications and consult your doctor on proper storage.
- Special items and documents. Store copies of IDs, insurance papers, medical records, and utility bills in a waterproof, portable container. Back them up digitally when possible. Pack pet supplies, spare keys, cash, and a recent photo of your family members and pets in case you are separated.
A disaster kit isn’t something you build overnight, but it’s something you can start today. Whether you’re preparing your home, business, or both, every step brings you closer to being prepared in any storm. For more tools, checklists, and expert guidance, visit convoyofhope.org/prepare.
