Make a 72 Hour Kit - Norfolk County Fire Department

How To Make A Family Emergency Kit

In the event of an emergency or disaster, roads may be closed, and emergency services stretched beyond capacity. It's important that you and your family are able to go at least 72 hours without outside assistance.

By pulling some basic supplies together — many of which may already be in your home — you can make a family emergency kit, quickly and easily.

Quick tips for making your family emergency kit

Your basic family emergency kit should contain these items:

Food that doesn't spoil, such as canned goods, energy bars, or dried foods
4L of water per person per day, preferably in small, easy-to-carry bottles
First aid kit
Flashlight and radio (battery-powered or hand-cranked)
Manual can opener
Cash (small bills)
Prescription medication, baby formula
Your emergency plan and contact information
Extra keys to your home and car
Food and water for your pets

Other Emergency Kits You'll Need

Other emergency kits you'll need

In addition to the family emergency kit, you should consider making these additional kits:

"Grab and go" bag — If you have to immediately leave your home after a disaster you need a Grab-n-go bag to see you through the next 12-24 hours
Vehicle emergency kit — When an emergency happens you may be in your car and not able to return home, so you need to have supplies to help sustain you and keep you comfortable
Workplace emergency kit — Being safe at work will help ensure you can return home to help your family during an emergency
Pet emergency kit — If you need to evacuate, you should take your pets with you, so make sure you're prepared to care for them