Harris County Texas Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Create an Emergency Kit

To assemble your emergency Kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least seven days
• Food – at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Medications
• Extra batteries
• Sanitation Items
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Important family documents
• Food, water, and medicine for pets
• Kennel or crates for pets
• Change of clothes and bedding

In order to make sure your kit is prepared, routinely check your kit by doing the following:

• Keep items in airtight plastic bags
• Change your stored water supply every six months
• Replace your stored food every six months
• Re-think you kit and family needs at least once a year
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescriptions

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.