Emergency Information

FEMA's How to Build an Emergency Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supplies kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon/person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Tech to Have in a Disaster

Keep your tech dry 
Use freezer-size Ziploc bags or dry bags for your phone, cords, battery, and any important documents when facing a flood or wet weather.

Keep it cool (or warm) 
Smartphones can stop working if too hot, or cold (outside 32 to 95 degrees F). Insulated cooler bags work if you have something in there to keep the temperature down. 

Tune in to NOAA weather radio
Radios last far longer than smartphones and can be a source of emergency updates from organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Backup batteries
Experts recommend planning for at least 72 hours after an emergency. Have a backup battery or power bank ready to recharge at least one smartphone. Chargers with at least 10,000 mAh should be enough to recharge a smartphone twice. Or pick up a solar charger that will juice up your phone using the sun. 

Sign up for Alerts
FEMA recommends opting into its basic alerts by texting “PREPARE” to 43362 for tips on being prepared, “SHELTER” and a Zip code after a disaster to find local shelter options, and “LIST” to get more options.  Get the American Red Cross’s first aid app, which works offline. 

Have alternatives for tech
If you are able, put some emergency cash inside your emergency bag — as much as think you’ll need for three days. Parents should plan to keep their children entertained that doesn’t involve video games or TV shows. Classics like paper and drawing supplies, books or puzzle magazines, and a deck of cards.

Adapted from Washington Post article The best tech to have in a natural disaster.