What Should I Add to a Kit for My Family's Specific Needs?
A standard emergency kit covers the essentials for most households. But every family has specific needs that deserve a little extra thought.
FEMA explicitly recommends that families review the standard supply list and adapt it for their unique situation. Here's how to do that for the most common household scenarios.
Families with young children
- Formula, bottles, and a manual can opener if needed
- Diapers, wipes, and a waterproof changing pad
- One comfort item per child such as a familiar stuffed animal or small toy reduces stress significantly during a disruption
- A printed copy of your children's medical records and vaccination history
- Any prescription medications in their original labeled containers
- Child-safe snacks they will actually eat under stress
One practical tip: involve your kids in packing the kit. Children who help build it are less frightened by it. Browse our Children's Survival Kits →
Families with seniors
Seniors have more specific needs than most standard kits cover such as medications, medical equipment, legal documents, and personal care items that no pre-packed kit can anticipate.
Talk to your doctor about obtaining a small emergency supply of critical medications. Many physicians will provide one if asked directly. Browse our Senior Emergency Kits →
See our complete senior emergency preparedness checklist →
Wondering how to bring the conversation up with an aging parent? Here's a gentle guide →
Wondering how to bring the conversation up with an aging parent? Here's a gentle guide →
Households with pets
- Three days of food and water for each pet
- Copies of vaccination records which are required by most emergency shelters
- A photo of you with your pet in case you're separated
- Any medications your pet takes regularly
- A carrier, leash, or harness
- A familiar comfort item such as a toy or blanket to help reduce anxiety
Important: if it's not safe for you to stay home, it's not safe for your pet either. Plan ahead for pet-friendly hotels or shelters along any evacuation routes. Browse our Pet Emergency Kits →
Households with medical needs
- Backup power sources for any electrically powered medical equipment
- A printed list of all conditions, medications, and allergies for every household member
- Extra supplies for any ongoing treatments
- Contact information for your doctors and specialists
If anyone in your household depends on electrically powered medical equipment, contact your local utility company. Most have a medical baseline or priority restoration program for households with qualifying needs.
Renters and apartment dwellers
Living in a rental doesn't limit your ability to prepare it just changes the logistics slightly.
- Focus on a portable kit you can carry out quickly, not just a home storage kit
- Know your building's emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Identify a meeting place outside your building that everyone in your household knows
- Store your kit somewhere you can grab it within 60 seconds of deciding to leave
Renters often assume preparedness is mostly for homeowners. It isn't. The supplies you need are exactly the same.
Not sure where to start? Our Be Ready Basics FAQ walks you through the fundamentals one step at a time.
→ Shop kits by household size and type: Family Emergency Survival Kits
The guidance on this page aligns with FEMA and American Red Cross preparedness recommendations.