State of Connecticut CT Prepares - Connecticut’s Emergency Management News and Resource Center

Home Emergency Kit Checklist

Use this checklist to prepare your emergency kit if you need to stay in your home. Keep these items in a bag or container.

  • A supply of water in jugs or bottles. You should have at least one gallon of water for every person in your home for each day. You will need more water if there are children, if someone is nursing a baby, or if the weather is hot.
  • Bleach and eye dropper (to treat water)
  • Food
    • Food in cans or sealed packages, like soup and tuna fish
    • Foods and juices that do not have to be refrigerated or cooked
    • Food for infants or the elderly
  • A manual can opener, paper plates, plastic utensils and something to cook on, like a small grill with fuel. Be sure to only use charcoal and gas grills outdoors to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  • Rain gear
  • Blanket/sleeping bag, pillows for everyone in the family
  • One change of clothes and shoes for each person
  • Things babies and children need like diapers, games, toys, and books
  • First aid kit. Remember to include:
    • Medicines (prescriptions, fever reducers, aspirin)
    • Eye glasses and contact lens supplies
    • List of the doctors you go to and their phone numbers
    • Medical supplies (colostomy supplies, insulin syringes)
    • Sterile adhesive bandages
    • Scissors
    • Tweezers
    • Needle
    • Moist towelettes
    • Antiseptic
    • Thermometer
    • Petroleum jelly
    • Antacid
    • Laxative
  • Things your pets need like food and water, a pet carrier or cage, medicines, muzzle, collar, leash, ID tags, and immunization records
  • Extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash, and important information, like social security numbers and birth certificates
  • A copy of this guide
  • Pictures of your family members and pets in case you are separated and need help looking for them
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Plastic bucket with lid
  • Garbage bags and cleaning supplies
  • Disinfectant
  • Paper towels, toilet paper, soap
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape    
  • Battery-powered radio, flashlights, cell phone, extra batteries
  • Pliers
  • Signal flare
  • Needle and thread
  • Map of the area
  • Aluminum foil