Household Emergency Kit Detailed Item List
After learning what an emergency kit is and why you should have one. The next step is to start making one.
This page outlines what can go into a household emergency kit, so you are ready when you need to be. Click on each item type to get a more detailed breakdown on what options you have for each item going into your kit.
What is a household emergency kit?
I like to think of a household emergency kit as a large emergency kit to help your household get through an emergency while you stay in your house.
A good example might be a natural disaster where outside areas might be dangerous, or services are limited. Most advice will state having enough items for 3 days. This is a great starting point. I would suggest looking into expanding it to 7 or 14 days.
The List of Items for a Household Emergency Kit
Here’s the list of all the items I think are important to think about in a household emergency kit.
If you’d like this list emailed to you as well as planning documents for free, sign up to the newsletter at the bottom of the page.
Each item below has its own detailed page discussing the item in further detail. Just click the on the table below to get more info.
| Item Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Storage for your Kit | Backpack, Suitcase, Storage Tub, Bucket or something similar |
| Learn more about emergency kit storage here | |
| Water | 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days at minimum. More is better. For drinking and sanitation. |
| Children, sick people and nursing mothers may need more water. In very warm climates your water needs might be more. | |
| Commercially bottled water or water you have stored yourself in appropriate containers | |
| Emergency long life water in cans or pouches | |
| Learn more about emergency water here | |
| Food | Non perishable food |
| Items that require no cooking are ideal | |
| Be mindful of any dietary requirements | |
| Food for any pets | |
| Manual can opener | |
| Cutlery, cups, plates etc | |
| Learn more about emergency food here | |
| Lighting | Flashlights - Small, easy to use, can be cost effective |
| Headlamps - Helps keep your hands free | |
| Lanterns - Provides lighting for larger areas | |
| Glowsticks - Easy to use, safe instant light | |
| Candles - I prefer to stay away from them due to fire hazard | |
| Learn more about emergency lighting here | |
| First-Aid | A large enough first-aid kit. Training in how to use it |
| Learn more about first aid items here | |
| Medical Items | Any prescription medicine |
| Any medical items you may need | |
| Learn more about medical items here | |
| Hygiene | Sanitizer, toilet paper, emergency toilet supplies, soap etc |
| N95 or KN95 rated masks | |
| Work gloves | |
| Wet wipes or similar | |
| Disposable gloves | |
| Plastic bags | |
| Learn more about hygiene items here | |
| Clothing & Footwear | Change of clothing for everyone in your household |
| Warm layers | |
| Long sleeve shirts | |
| Pants | |
| Warm hat | |
| Gloves | |
| Rain coat | |
| Learn more about clothing and footwear here | |
| Communications | Radio |
| Cellphone | |
| Learn more about communications here | |
| Power Items | Batteries for all the items you need to power. Flashlights, radios etc. |
| Charged power banks to help power your mobile | |
| Learn more about power here | |
| Tools | Basic tool kit |
| Multi tool | |
| Wrench or pliers to help turn off utilities. (water, gas etc) | |
| Duct Tape | |
| Fasteners | |
| A saw | |
| Learn more about tools here | |
| Miscellaneous | Tarps |
| Emergency blankets | |
| Books, cards, games - Can be used to pass time and help people deal with stressful situations | |
| Whistle - To help signal for help. | |
| Cable ties | |
| Emergency blankets | |
| Spare house and car keys | |
| Paper maps - in case you have no access to digital maps and you need to find your way to another location | |
| Cash in small bills | |
| Spare pair of glasses if you wear them | |
| Paper and pencil | |
| Fire extinguisher | |
| Learn more about miscellaneous items here | |
| Important Documents | Identification |
| Household information | |
| Copies of insurance paperwork | |
| List of important phone numbers | |
| Banking details | |
| Learn more about important documents here | |
| www.buildyouremergencykit.com | |
| To get this gear list plus all the others delivered to your inbox, sign up at the bottom of the website.⬇ | |
Start Making One Today
No matter your budget, you can start putting together a household emergency kit straight away. From an extra item of food each week to working out what you have on hand already, starting to be prepared now will help you when an emergency occurs.
Get all the lists and planning docs sent to your email
Want this list, the other item lists, planning documents and more? Just sign up at the bottom of the website.
Other Emergency Kit Detailed Item Lists
> Grab and Go Emergency Kit Detailed Item List
> Vehicle Emergency Kit Detailed Item List