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.
Ready.gov, FEMA's preparedness campaign, recommends reviewing the standard supply list and adapting it to your household. Here's how to do that for the most common 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
- 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.
Households with pets
- At least three days of food and water for each pet, and two weeks if you have room to store it
- Copies of vaccination records, plus a plan for where you'd go. Ready.gov notes that many public shelters and hotels don't allow pets inside
- 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
- All medications in their original labeled containers
- 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