---
title: "Building a basic emergency supply kit"
license: public-domain
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://www.ready.gov/kit
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: Ready.gov (FEMA), \"Build A Kit\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
date: 
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-11-02
category: how-to
checked_on: 2026-11-02
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/
source: https://www.ready.gov/kit
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
license_note: "Every fact below restates US government public-domain pages listed under sources. This summary is also offered as public domain."
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Courtesy of Ready.gov (FEMA). Public domain (US government work); use does not imply endorsement by Ready.gov (FEMA)."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-11-02
date: 2026-11-02
category: how-to
tags: how-to, emergency, preparedness
checked_on: 2026-11-02
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Build A Kit"
    publisher: Ready.gov (FEMA)
    url: https://www.ready.gov/kit
    accessed: 2026-11-02
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
---
# Building a basic emergency supply kit

# Building a basic emergency supply kit

## Summary
Ready.gov suggests enough water, food and basic tools to last several days on your own: one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, a radio, flashlight, first aid kit, batteries and chargers, plus personal needs like medicines and documents.

*Draft. License: public domain (US government work). Sources: [S1] Ready.gov (FEMA), "Build A Kit".*

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: After a disaster you may need to get by on your own for several days, so a kit should cover several days of needs.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F2
  claim: Plan on one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F3
  claim: Basic items include non-perishable food, a battery or hand-crank radio with NOAA weather alerts, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries and a whistle.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F4
  claim: Also include a dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place, wipes and garbage bags for sanitation, a wrench or pliers for utilities, a manual can opener, local maps and a phone with chargers and a backup battery.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F5
  claim: Add items for your household: prescription and non-prescription medicines, glasses, infant supplies, pet food, cash, and copies of important documents in a waterproof container.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F6
  claim: Store the kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag, with items sealed in airtight bags.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02
- id: F7
  claim: Maintain the kit by keeping food cool and dry and replacing expired items.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-11-02
  sources: [S1]
  license: public domain (US government work)
  checked_on: 2026-11-02

## Pointers
- id: P1
  answers: Printable checklist and translations
  where: https://www.ready.gov/kit
  access: free, public web page