1. Bottled Water

A natural disaster, such as a hurricane or tornado, can interfere with the clean water supply where you live. That makes bottled water the most important of the life-saving items to include in your emergency kit. The average person will need about a gallon of water per day, so include plenty in your kit. In the car, make sure you have several bottles per person. Keep the water in a cool, dry place and replace it any time the expiration date nears.

2. Food

If you’re stranded in a blizzard or can’t leave your house due to a dangerous storm, having food on hand is important. You’ll need things that keep and that are easy to eat without preparation. Include about three days worth of food in your kit. Include canned goods, boxes of cereal and crackers and dry mixes that you can combine with your water. Include a can opener and some simple dishes. Make sure you replace items before they expire.

3. Flashlight with Batteries

In case you lose power or are in your car at night, a working flashlight is vital. It’ll allow you to see what’s going around you and will make it easier to prepare foods and entertain pets or kids. Include plenty of extra batteries in your kit in case you need your flashlight for lengthy periods of time. Check the flashlight often to be sure it’s in good working order.

4. Extra Clothing

Toss warm sweatshirts, socks, extra shoes and a few pairs of pants into your emergency kit. That way if you get wet, you have some clean, dry clothes to change into. Include clothing for everyone in your family. If you have little ones, make sure you have plenty of diapers and wipes with your clothing too.

5. First Aid

If you or anyone in your home takes prescription medications, make sure you have a few day’s supply in your emergency kit. This ensures safety and good health in case your pills are damaged or destroyed in a natural disaster. Over-the counter pain meds are another good option for your kit. Additionally, keep bandages, antiseptic wipes and other basic first aid supplies in case anyone is injured during the emergency.

6. Personal Papers and Cash

Keep copies of personal papers in your kit. That includes insurance information, home and car titles, passports, credit card and bank info, medical records and birth certificates. Keep some cash in your kit too just in case you lose your purse or wallet during the emergency.

7. Entertainment Items

In the case of being stuck in the car or your home during an emergency, it’s a great idea to have some things to keep yourself entertained. Keep a radio with lots of batteries so you can listen to music. Include some books and magazines too. Board games are fun if you have kids. A deck of cards is another great idea.

Are you truly prepared for an emergency? How soon will you get your kit together?