What Are 20 Items in an Emergency Kit? A Ready.gov-Based List for Home and Car
JupiterVehicles is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Ready.gov recommends a basic disaster supplies kit with enough supplies to get your household through several days on its own. Here are 20 core items based on that guidance, plus notes on which ones also belong in your car.
Table of Contents
The 20 Items
These items come from Ready.gov’s Build a Kit checklist, which lists basic and additional emergency supplies:
- Water: one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation.
- Food: at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Radio: battery-powered or hand crank, plus a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
- Flashlight.
- First aid kit.
- Extra batteries.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air.
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Manual can opener.
- Local maps.
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
- Prescription medications.
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers.
- Important documents in a waterproof container or saved electronically.
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
- A change of clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Cash.
Items That Also Belong in Your Car
Ready.gov advises preparing supplies for home, work and cars. For the car, Ready.gov’s car safety page adds jumper cables, flares or a reflective triangle, an ice scraper, a car phone charger, a blanket, a map and cat litter or sand for traction. See what to include in a car emergency kit.
How to Store Your Kit
Ready.gov suggests storing items in airtight plastic bags and keeping the kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
How to Maintain It
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Replace expired items.
- Review your needs every year as your family changes.
- [7400mWh (2000mAh) POWER BANK WILL KEEP DEVICES POWERED] The FosPower FOSPWB-2376 emergency radio incorporates a 7400mWh (2000mAh) power bank capable of providing emergency power to any small tablet or phone.
- [3 POWER SOURCES POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT] Use the emergency weather radio's 3 power sources when you need a boost of power or need to recharge the radio. The radio's crank lever and solar panel are both capable of regenerating enough power to keep the radio, lights, and SOS alarm ready to go when you need it most. AAA Batteries ensure you have power when not able to regenerate power.
- [2 LIGHT SOURCES ALWAYS POWERED] The emergency crank radio can also provide light. The 4 LED reading light and 1W flashlight provides enough output to keep you and your loved ones out of the dark in an emergency situation.
- [NOAA EMERGENCY WEATHER BROADCAST ACCESS] The radio will dependably receive up to the second emergency weather forecasts and emergency news broadcasts from NOAA and AM/FM stations.
- [LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY] Includes a Limited Lifetime Warranty. Please visit FosPower's website for more information.
- ESSENTIALS FOR EMERGENCIES: Be prepared for unexpected situations with this first aid kit featuring 150+ essential supplies. It includes a variety of bandages, gloves, povidone-iodine prep pads, metal tweezers, a tourniquet, and more.
- PORTABLE DESIGN: 6.4" x 4.9" x 2.7" compact size, 0.73 lbs lightweight, features a compact, travel-friendly design, Premium zippers and bonus carabiners increase convenience for outdoor activities. This small emergency kit can also be easily hung on your backpack
- SMART AREA CLASSIFICATION DESIGN: We've separated the whole emergency bag into small independent compartments, which is clear and concise, with each inner sleeve categorized for easy access, so that you can find the first aid item you need in case of emergency situation.
- QUALITY AND DURABILITY: The surface is made of premium waterproof EVA material, and the hardness of the case has been enhanced to make it tougher and durable. The PU surface is smooth, waterproof, and easy to clean with Waterproof Laminate Bags You Protect Your Supplies (Do not soak)
- ALWAYS READY FOR ANY EMERGENCY: With its comprehensive selection of essential supplies, this first aid kit is ideal for families, offices, camping, hiking, boating, cars, sports, travel, road trips, workplaces, and schools. Its compact design makes it easy to keep essential items organized and ready for unexpected situations, whether at home or on the go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important items in an emergency kit?
Water, food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, a radio, extra batteries and medications are the core.
How much water should an emergency kit have?
Ready.gov recommends one gallon per person per day for several days.
Where should I keep an emergency kit?
In an easy-to-reach spot at home, with smaller kits at work and in the car.
How often should I update my emergency kit?
Check it regularly, replace expired items, and review your needs every year.
The Bottom Line
A 20-item emergency kit based on Ready.gov covers water, food, light, communication, first aid, sanitation, tools, documents and warmth. Keep a full kit at home and a car-specific kit in each vehicle.
