Disasters and emergencies often strike unexpectedly. You may not have much time to gather essentials for your family if you have to evacuate quickly for a
hurricane, flood or
wildfire, for example.
Having an emergency kit ready to go in advance ensures you will have what you need and helps reduce
stress and uncertainty during a crisis. Use these tips to help assemble one for your family.
Note: Having a disaster kit ready to go can be especially helpful if your child has certain medical conditions. (See "10 disaster-kit tips if your child has special health care needs," below.)
Preparing your emergency kit: where to start
You can add items to your emergency kit over time. Start with the "should haves" and think about the "could haves" later.
Gather these "should have" items first:
Food/water
Water for 3 days (about 1 gallon per person per day)
Non-perishable food that doesn't need to be cooked. Examples include energy bars, canned vegetables and granola. Pack enough for 3 days.
Consider buying ready-to-eat meals or special dehydrated foods for your kit. You may want to buy 1 or 2 extra to sample ahead of time. This can help kids with the natural temptation to break into them when it is not an emergency!
Some children may need some special food and water supplies, such as:
Special formula, thickeners
Feeding supplies (g-tube extensions, buttons, syringes, etc.)
Supplies
Medications, especially prescription medications (2-week supply if possible)
First aid supplies like Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, ace bandages
Flashlight with extra set of batteries
Blankets (fabric)
Change of clothes, including shoes (at least one full change per person)
Diapers/baby wipes if needed
Pet food and supplies if needed
Duct tape
Pocket knife
Cell phone charger
Toilet paper and other sanitary products
Ziplock bags/trash bags
Weather/Emergency broadcast radio (Hand-crank version, if possible. If not, have extra set of batteries.) This should be set up and in a place where the family can hear its messaging.
Some children may need some special supplies, such as:
Incontinence supplies (such as diapers, ostomy bags, chucks/underpads, gloves)
Items for comfort and calming (such as sensory toys, "loveys")
Ventilator supplies
Supplies or equipment for transporting
Communication devices or cards
Information
Sample emergency information forms you can have on the go
Here are some sample forms you can use to make sure your family has important medical information when you need it:
Emergency information form (American College of Emergency Physicians and American Academy of Pediatrics) Download this fillable form.
There are online templates and apps for emergency medical information that you may want to consider. However, pay close attention to privacy and data sharing policies for the app or online storage platform.
Consider adding these "could have" items over time:
Food
Supplies
Blankets
Battery-powered lantern and/or hand crank flashlight or solar-powered flashlight
Small generator (NOTE: It is critically important that families know
how to safely use a generator. Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent. Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.)
Fire extinguisher
Water filter and/or water purification supplies
Disinfectant wipes
Toiletry supplies
Activity books/board games
Solar powered charger
Camping stove, with fuel (ONLY use outside)
Information
10 disaster-kit tips if your child has special health care needs
Make sure you have information on your child's specific medical conditions in one place. Consider using the
Emergency Information Form for Children with Special Health Care Needs or other options from a trusted organization in your own community. Keep a copy in your child's readiness kit, your car, and give to others who care for your child (school, day care, etc.)
Write down your "talking points" about your child's disability/needs to share with first responders or shelter staff. There are many templates online to guide you; here is one
sample from Oregon Family to Family Health Information Center.
If your child will wear them, consider Medical ID bracelets. Put emergency contact info on labels and affix to things your child has with them, such as their wheelchair, wallet, backpack, etc.
If your child depends on specialized transportation, ask your transportation company what options you have if that service is not available.
If you know that any of your children will require a shelter that can provide medical care, get a list of specific destinations that will be prepared to their needs.
Have the phone number or app of at least one state or disabilities service entity. Make sure you and your children have the
up-to-date information you need to meet any special health care needs of your children.
Pay close attention to alerts from local authorities. When they say it is time to, you should evacuate. Think about if you should leave earlier than typical families because of the extra time it may take to transport children with special needs.
Review the disaster preparedness kit section above to plan to have specific supplies your family will need to bring with you. This might include your own power supply for medical equipment, if needed.
As you build your family's emergency preparedness plan and kit, share your plans with your child's pediatrician. This is particularly important if your child has special health needs. Together, you and your pediatricians can work to make sure your child's needs are met during and after disasters, helping them stay healthy, safe and resilient.
To learn more, see
Disaster Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.
What to keep in mind as you build your disaster emergency kit
Remember, you might not need to buy a lot of new things. These might be items you already have but they're just not all in 1 place, ready in the event of a disaster. If not, to make it easier, you can:
Start small. Buy one or two extra cans of food on each shopping trip and set aside.
Check at thrift or discount stores for non-perishable items and other supply items.
Consider putting emergency supplies on your "wish list" for gift-giving occasions. Batteries and flashlights, for example, make great stocking-stuffers.
Storing your emergency preparedness kit
Store your kit in a large bin and/or duffel with the contents listed on a piece of paper with your kit and on your phone. Place it somewhere easy to find and remember to review the contents at least every six months (set a reminder in your phone or on your calendar) because some items, like food, water, batteries, and medications may need to be replaced.
Remember, you might not need to buy a lot of new things. These might be items you already have but they're just not in one place, ready in the event of a disaster. No room inside your home? How about the trunk of your car?
More information