There are many reasons why you should have an emergency preparedness kit: fire, earthquake, or some other catastrophic emergency. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the American Red Cross has made a weekly shopping list based on a family of four to include in your emergency kit…
The Red Cross has made a list for families to use in an emergency kit, and they’ve spread the items over 21 weeks, so you don’t have to purchase everything at once. Keep the items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container, such as a duffle bag or large tote. The kit should also include a set of clothes and shoes for each family member; copies of important documents such as birth certificates, ID, insurance policies, passports, leases, etc.); a 3-day supply of medications; extra cash in small bills; spare keys; and spare glasses. Some of the items to buy include bottled water and juices, peanut butter, cereal, crackers, canned vegetables and meat, sanitary and cleaning supplies, battery-operated radio and batteries, tools and duct tape, blankets and pillows, and garbage bags.
Save $1.75 per week and purchase a weather radio at the end of 21 weeks
Customize your kit for your family.
- For baby: baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, extra water for formula and washing bottles.
- For seniors: oxygen, walker, adult diapers, hearing aid with extra batteries and extra medication.
- For pets: carrier, medicines, inoculation and health records, ID tags, photo of you with your pet(s).
- For children: toys, travel games, extra batteries, stuffed animal, cards, crayons, paper, books.
Daylight Saving Time: When you change your clocks, check your kit. Replace expired food, medicine, and batteries. Check clothing for fit and seasons. Also change smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
For more preparedness tips, visit redcross.org
Week 1:
Tour your home to gather items you already have. Place all items in a waterproof bag or container before packing in kit.
Check off each item as you go.
- A sturdy, easy-to-car container to hold items (backpack, duffle bag, or large tote)
- A set of clothes and sturdy shoes for each family member
- Copies of important papers (birth certificates, ID, insurance policies, passports, home lease/deed, etc.)
- A 3-day supply of your medications
- A current list of family phone numbers and emails including someone who can be reached if local lines are down
- A map (mark an evacuation route on it from your local area)
- Extra cash in small bills
- Spare keys for house and car
- Spare glasses or contacts and solution
- Books or toys
Week 2:
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 jar of peanut butter
- 1 box crackers
- 2 boxes energy bars
Week 3
- 1 gallon of water
- 2 cans meat/fish
- 2 cans fruit/veggies
- Manual can opener
Week 4
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 bottle juice
- 1 pkg. hand sanitizer
- 1 antibacterial soap
Week 5
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 liquid dish soap
- 2 rolls toilet paper
- 1 box facial tissue
Week 6
- 1 gallon of water
- First aid kit and guide
- Latex gloves
- Tweezers
Week 7
- Thermometer
- Allergy/pain reliever in childproof container
- Sunscreen
Week 8
- 1 gallon of water
- Feminine supplies
- Comb and brush
- 1 potted meat
Week 9
- Towels and washcloths
- Toothbrushes and past
- Shampoo, bar soap
- Deodorant
Week 10
- Umbrella/slicker
- Scarf
- Winter gloves
- 1 bottle juice
Week 11
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 pkg energy snacks
- Emergency blanket
- Matches
Week 12
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Cotton rope
- 1 bottle juice
Week 13
- 1 gallon of water
- Screwdriver
- Utility knife
- Pliers
Week 14
- 2 cans fruit/veggies
- 1 pkg. eating utensils
- 1 pkg. plastic cups
- Paper towels/napkins
Week 15
- Pet food & dishes
- Extra water
- Leash
- Litter pan/litter
Week 16
- 1 gallon of water
- 2 cans meat/fish
- Cell phone and charger
- Dried fruits and nuts
Week 17
- 1 gallon of water
- Extra flashlight
- Extra batteries for radio and flashlight
- 1 bottle juice
Week 18
- 1 gallon of water
- Work gloves
- Dust masks
- Chlorine bleach
- Garbage bags and ties
Week 19
- 1 gallon of water
- Plastic sheeting
- Plastic bucket and lid
- Disinfectant
- Notepad and pen
Week 20
- 2 boxes dry cereal
- Box graham crackers
- Whistle
- Duct tape
- 1 pkg energy snacks
Week 21
- Comfort foods
- Scissors
- Extra blankets
- Small pillows
- Water container
