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    Emergency Kit Checklist

    Build a "ready bag" before you need one.

    Water + food (3 days)

    • 1 gallon water per person per day. 3 gallons total each.
    • Manual can opener.
    • Canned soup, beans, fruit, vegetables.
    • Peanut butter, granola bars, dried fruit, nuts.
    • Crackers, jerky, baby food (if needed).
    • Pet food (3-7 days).
    • Special diet food (diabetic, gluten-free, etc.).

    Power + light

    • Flashlight + extra batteries (for each person).
    • Battery-powered/hand-crank radio (NOAA weather radio).
    • Big phone power bank (Anker 20K mAh, ~$50). Charge it monthly.
    • Phone wall + car chargers.
    • Headlamps — hands-free light.
    • Glow sticks (last 8-12 hours, no batteries).

    Health + safety

    • First aid kit.
    • 7-day supply of medications (rotate every 6 months).
    • Glasses + reading glasses (extra pair).
    • Hearing aid batteries.
    • Denture supplies.
    • CPAP backup battery if needed.
    • Mask (N95 + paper).
    • Hand sanitizer + wet wipes.
    • Whistle (signal for help).

    Documents (in waterproof bag)

    • Photo ID + passport copies.
    • Insurance cards.
    • Medication list.
    • Emergency contact list.
    • Doctors' phone numbers.
    • Bank account list (numbers, NOT passwords).
    • $200-500 cash in small bills (ATMs may be down).
    • Recent photo of pets (in case lost).
    • USB drive with backup of important files.

    Comfort + practical

    • Blanket / sleeping bag per person.
    • Change of clothes (closed-toe shoes!).
    • Garbage bags + zip-lock bags.
    • Multi-tool, scissors, duct tape.
    • Notepad + pencil.
    • Cash in small bills.
    • Local map (phones may be down).
    • Toilet paper.
    • Plastic sheeting (shelter).

    By disaster type

    • Power outage — flashlights, manual can opener, ice in freezer.
    • Hurricane — water, plywood, evacuation plan, pet carriers.
    • Earthquake — sturdy shoes by bed, water heater strap, secured shelves.
    • Wildfire — N95 masks, evacuation route, "go bag" by door.
    • Winter storm — extra blankets, propane heater, wood stove fuel.
    • Medical emergency — list of meds + ER preference.

    Free help

    Ready.gov — federal emergency prep, all free. Red Cross First Aid app — free, walks you through emergencies. FEMA app — alerts + shelters. Sign up for local emergency text alerts (most counties have them — search "[county] emergency alerts").