What to Include in Your Emergency Survival Kit

By the Mercury Team

The devastation accompanying a major storm or a natural disaster often leaves Americans in the impacted area without power for hours to days or, even worse, displaces them from their homes. In fact, the U.S. experienced 28 weather and climate disasters in 2023, each causing losses exceeding $1 billion.

While you can’t predict when or where the next disaster will strike, you can take steps to ensure you’re ready when it does. A well-stocked emergency survival kit is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during a crisis. Let’s review what items to include in this kit and provide some tips to help you assemble and maintain it.

Essential Components of a Survival Kit

Here’s a checklist of necessary and useful disaster supplies to keep in your pantry, basement, closet, or vehicle to help you survive a natural disaster or severe storm.

Water and Emergency Food Supply

FEMA recommends keeping a three-day supply of water, which equals about three gallons per person. This should cover your basic needs for drinking and hygiene. It’s also a great idea to keep some water in your car in case you’re away from home when disaster strikes. Additionally, a water-filtration device — e.g., water sanitation tablets or Lifestraws — can be a smart, budget-friendly investment. Both of these tools can purify 1,000 liters of water and are available for less than $20.

Along with water, make sure you’ve got at least three days’ worth of non-perishable food. Some of the best emergency food supplies include beef jerky, peanut butter, nutrition bars, dried fruits, nuts, and canned goods. When planning, cover all your meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And when picking out canned goods, go for single-serving sizes since leftovers might not be safe to eat if you don’t have a fridge due to a power outage. Just like with water, it’s smart to keep some food in your car, too.

Battery and Light Sources

When the power goes out, having reliable light sources is key to staying safe and comfortable, and that’s where batteries come in. Whether it’s flashlights, headlamps, or battery-powered lanterns, these tools become essential for lighting your way in the dark. Lighters, matches and candles are also good to have on hand. Just make sure to store them in a waterproof bag so they don’t get wet.

Emergency Radio

When a disaster strikes and other communication channels are down, an emergency radio helps you stay informed about weather updates, evacuation orders, and other critical news.

Look for a radio that can pick up NOAA weather alerts and AM/FM signals. Ideally, it should include a hand crank or solar power option so you’re never left in the dark. Some even come with built-in flashlights and USB chargers, making them handy multi-tools for your emergency preparedness kit.

Phone Chargers

Having a fully charged phone in an emergency can make all the difference. It ensures you can stay connected with loved ones, receive important updates, access maps and directions, and call for help if needed. Here are some power sources to consider adding to your survival kit:

• Portable power banks: A good power bank can keep your phone going when you’re off the grid. Look for one with a high capacity (at least 10,000 mAh) so you can get multiple charges out of it. Some power banks even come with built-in solar panels, allowing you to recharge them during extended outages.
• Car charger: Don’t forget a car charger. If your vehicle has power, it can be a reliable source for keeping your phone charged while you’re on the move or stuck in traffic.
• Wall chargers: A wall charger is also a must-have, especially one with multiple USB ports so you can charge several devices at once when you have access to power.

First Aid Kit and Multi-Tool

Pre-made first aid kits are a great starting point, as they come with all the essentials you might need in an emergency. However, customizing your kit can ensure it meets your family’s specific needs. For instance, if anyone in your household requires prescription medications, it’s a smart idea to store a backup supply and a copy of the prescription in your kit.

In addition to medical supplies, having a versatile multi-tool on hand can be incredibly helpful. You never know when you might need a knife, screwdriver, spare can opener, or scissors, especially during an emergency.

Additional Survival Kit Checklist Items

Here are some extra items you may need to include in your survival kit.

Camp Stove and Fuel

Having a camp stove in your survival kit is a great way to ensure you can cook meals even when the power is out. However, always store fuel in a well-ventilated area, away from any sources of heat or open flames. Make sure your camp stove is used in a well-ventilated space, ideally outdoors, to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Gasoline

If you own a generator, you’ll need gasoline. Make sure to store gas containers in a ventilated and shady enclosure and avoid low liquid levels because vapor can build up within the container. It’s also a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gasoline fresh over time.

Pet Supplies

Your pets are part of the family, so make sure they’re covered in your emergency plans, too. Include a supply of food, water, and any medications your pets need in your survival kit. Don’t forget items like a leash, pet carrier, and waste bags to keep your pet safe and comfortable.

Personal Hygiene Items

Personal hygiene is imperative in emergency situations like hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. Keep extra toilet paper, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, and hand sanitizer available. These items will help you stay clean and feel more comfortable during a stressful situation, which can make a big difference in how you handle the crisis.

Putting Together Your Emergency Preparedness Kit Supplies

When assembling your kit, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

• Check expiration dates: Regularly update your food, water, and medications to ensure they’re not expired.
• Customize for your needs: Consider your household’s specific needs. This might include baby formula, pet supplies, or any other essential items for your family.
• Store in a portable container: Store your emergency kit in a backpack or duffel bag. This makes it easy to transport if you need to evacuate quickly.
• Include important documents: Make copies of important documents such as IDs, homeowners insurance policies, and emergency contact information. Store these in a waterproof container within your kit.
• Regular Inspections: Check your emergency kit every six months to ensure all items are in good condition and nothing is missing.
• Update seasonally: Adjust the contents of your kit based on the current season and weather conditions. For example, include warm clothing and blankets in winter, and sunscreen and extra water in summer.

Conclusion

Emergencies can happen at any time, but having a well-stocked survival kit can help you prepare for the unexpected. Another way to prepare is to ensure you have the right homeowners insurance coverage. Protect your home and belongings with confidence by exploring cheap homeowners insurance options from Mercury. We’re here to help you find affordable, reliable coverage that doesn’t sacrifice quality.

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