Emergency Preparedness Kits for your home and vehicle are an essential part of keeping you and your family safe in times of emergency. Being prepared ahead of time not only provides you with piece-of-mind but is the best insurance should disaster strike. Don’t Delay, Prepare Today!
The Go-Bag
Some disasters, natural or man-made, can require you to evacuate. Examples include a flood, civil unrest, a chemical spill, or a house fire. It often takes days or more before you can return. Even when evacuation is not required, many disasters knock out basic services like power, water, and communications for several days.
-ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Self Reliance: How to Make a Go-Bag
It has been estimated that disaster relief workers may take between 3-4 days to reach some areas. This has prompted some states to recommend a “96 hour” kit. This could mean your kit may have a dramatic effect on your Family’s experience in an emergency.
Your Family’s needs are different than all others and that means you must have a personalized kit. Each family member could help decide what they choose to include in their kit - a great family home evening activity.
your Kit should be checked and reviewed every 6 months. Especially any perishables, like medicines, food, creams or oils.
There are two philosophies you might consider:
1) Keep it the same. never “steal” from your kit, so that you aren’t missing anything when you need it.
2) Use your bag regularly. test whether it works comfortably and effectively. Adjust accordingly.
Whichever philosophy you go with, do not overload it. you do not need every single item suggested below.
Start by collecting items you have on hand. Consider ordering items in bulk with a group from your ward to make items more affordable. You will decide your priorities, so consider which items are “good, better [and] best” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, General Conference October 2007).
Church Counsel
Extreme Preparation or Survivalism
The Church encourages self-reliance. Members are encouraged to be spiritually and physically prepared for life’s challenges. See 22.1.
However, Church leaders have counseled against extreme or excessive preparation for possible catastrophic events. Such efforts are sometimes called survivalism. Efforts to prepare should be motivated by faith, not fear.
Church leaders have counseled members not to go into debt to establish food storage. Instead, members should establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve over time.
- General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.8.15
Consider the Four D's:
Destination, Distance, Duration, Demand
(See also "Evacuation" for more lists and videos)
Destination, Distance, Duration, Demand
(See also "Evacuation" for more lists and videos)
Portable Kit Essentials List
If possible, it has been recommend to place categories into ziplock bags to prevent water damage and provide a space to label. If storing water, Keep your water rotating and out of sunlight. Place your kits easily accessible, near an exit. Place a reminder on your bag to grab anything vital that you keep elsewhere.
If possible, it has been recommend to place categories into ziplock bags to prevent water damage and provide a space to label. If storing water, Keep your water rotating and out of sunlight. Place your kits easily accessible, near an exit. Place a reminder on your bag to grab anything vital that you keep elsewhere.
Critical Documents
• Family Disaster Plan
• Family/Emergency Contact Information
• Identification copies
• Birth Certificates
• Social Security Card
• ID (drivers license/passport)
• Marriage License
• Will/Trust
• Prescriptions
• Home/Car Insurance Policies
• Bank Names & Account Numbers
• Immunization Records
• Credit Card Companies & numbers
• Multiple, current, Family wallet photos
• Medical records
(See "Critical Information to Get ASAP (9 Items You'll Need)" Video or this spreadsheet checklist)
• Family Disaster Plan
• Family/Emergency Contact Information
• Identification copies
• Birth Certificates
• Social Security Card
• ID (drivers license/passport)
• Marriage License
• Will/Trust
• Prescriptions
• Home/Car Insurance Policies
• Bank Names & Account Numbers
• Immunization Records
• Credit Card Companies & numbers
• Multiple, current, Family wallet photos
• Medical records
(See "Critical Information to Get ASAP (9 Items You'll Need)" Video or this spreadsheet checklist)
Environment
• Tarp
• Tent or Bivvy
• Blanket (fleece)/sleeping bag
• Solar/Reflective Blanket
• Clothing
◦ 4x Socks (wool prevents issues)
◦ 4x Underwear
◦ Weather-appropriate Hiking Pants
◦ T-shirt
◦ Long-sleeved Shirt (SPF50)
◦ Weather-appropriate Hat (cold or sun)
◦ Belt
• Poncho
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Weather-appropriate Footwear
• Tarp
• Tent or Bivvy
• Blanket (fleece)/sleeping bag
• Solar/Reflective Blanket
• Clothing
◦ 4x Socks (wool prevents issues)
◦ 4x Underwear
◦ Weather-appropriate Hiking Pants
◦ T-shirt
◦ Long-sleeved Shirt (SPF50)
◦ Weather-appropriate Hat (cold or sun)
◦ Belt
• Poncho
• Gloves
• Sunglasses
• Weather-appropriate Footwear
Water
• Container: Bottle (non-glass)
• Filter: Sawyer
• Purification: Katadyn Micropur Tablets
• 1 gallon/person/day
◦ IE: a family of three needs 2 ½ five-gallon jugs of water for a 96-hour (4-day) period.
• Container: Bottle (non-glass)
• Filter: Sawyer
• Purification: Katadyn Micropur Tablets
• 1 gallon/person/day
◦ IE: a family of three needs 2 ½ five-gallon jugs of water for a 96-hour (4-day) period.
Food
• Men: 2500 calories/day +1K more for stress/exertion.
• Women: 2000 calories/day +1K more for stress/exertion.
• Meals that do not require cooking: freeze-dried pouches, MRE, Canned food; Foil Pack of Tuna/Chicken.
• Snacks: Protein Bars, Gatorade Packets,
Hard Candy, Gum, Cholocate (keep children and you happy).
• Utensils (sporknife)
• Small Cookware (for boiling/cooking)
• Men: 2500 calories/day +1K more for stress/exertion.
• Women: 2000 calories/day +1K more for stress/exertion.
• Meals that do not require cooking: freeze-dried pouches, MRE, Canned food; Foil Pack of Tuna/Chicken.
• Snacks: Protein Bars, Gatorade Packets,
Hard Candy, Gum, Cholocate (keep children and you happy).
• Utensils (sporknife)
• Small Cookware (for boiling/cooking)
Light
• Primary:
◦ Headlamp
◦ Flashlight
• Secondary:
◦ Chemlight (glow sticks)
• Tertiary:
◦ Candle
◦ Tea candle lantern
• Primary:
◦ Headlamp
◦ Flashlight
• Secondary:
◦ Chemlight (glow sticks)
• Tertiary:
◦ Candle
◦ Tea candle lantern
Transaction
• Cash: All small bills
• Cash: All small bills
Tools
• Multi-tool
• Knife
• Hand-crank power bank
• Duct Tape
• Rope: Paracord
• Can opener
• Pencil Sharpener
• Multi-tool
• Knife
• Hand-crank power bank
• Duct Tape
• Rope: Paracord
• Can opener
• Pencil Sharpener
Fire
• Tinder (waterproof bag)
• Starter:
◦ Primary: Waterproof Matches
◦ Secondary: Lighter
◦ Tertiary: Ferro Rod/Magnesium striker
• Road Flares
• 2x Hand Warmers
• Sterno Cans
• Tinder (waterproof bag)
• Starter:
◦ Primary: Waterproof Matches
◦ Secondary: Lighter
◦ Tertiary: Ferro Rod/Magnesium striker
• Road Flares
• 2x Hand Warmers
• Sterno Cans
Navigation
• Local Maps
• Compass
• Download Offline Maps on Google Maps
• Local Maps
• Compass
• Download Offline Maps on Google Maps
Communication
• Cell Phone (extra charging cable/plug)
• Hand-crank Radio (weatherband)
• Walkie talkies (extra battery)
• Notebook and pencils
• Whistle
• Cell Phone (extra charging cable/plug)
• Hand-crank Radio (weatherband)
• Walkie talkies (extra battery)
• Notebook and pencils
• Whistle
Medical
• IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit)
◦ Reference Book
◦ Band aids
◦ Advil/Tylenol
◦ Allergy meds
◦ Gauze
◦ Med Tape
◦ Elastic/Israeli Bandages
◦ Tweezers
◦ Alcohol Wipes
◦ Burn gel
◦ Tourniquet
◦ Hemostatic Bandages/Bleedstop powder
◦ Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
◦ Zinc Oxide (for rashes)
◦ Thermometer
◦ Anti-diarrhea meds
◦ Antacid meds
◦ Laxative
◦ Vaseline
• Pocket Mirror
• Latex Gloves
• N95 Masks
• Prescription drugs
• Vision Needs: Extra Glasses/Contact Lenses & Solution
(See "Medical and First Aid" for home kits and practices)
• IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit)
◦ Reference Book
◦ Band aids
◦ Advil/Tylenol
◦ Allergy meds
◦ Gauze
◦ Med Tape
◦ Elastic/Israeli Bandages
◦ Tweezers
◦ Alcohol Wipes
◦ Burn gel
◦ Tourniquet
◦ Hemostatic Bandages/Bleedstop powder
◦ Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin)
◦ Zinc Oxide (for rashes)
◦ Thermometer
◦ Anti-diarrhea meds
◦ Antacid meds
◦ Laxative
◦ Vaseline
• Pocket Mirror
• Latex Gloves
• N95 Masks
• Prescription drugs
• Vision Needs: Extra Glasses/Contact Lenses & Solution
(See "Medical and First Aid" for home kits and practices)
Sanitation
• Alcohol/Baby Wipes (40-count)
• Hygiene supplies
◦ Bar Soap (with container)
◦ Shampoo
◦ Wash cloth
◦ Toothbrush
◦ Toothpaste
◦ Floss
◦ Razor
◦ Brush
◦ Hand Sanitizer
◦ Chapstick
◦ Deodorant (minimal scent)
◦ Feminine products
• Bug Spray/Wipes
• Sunscreen
• Industrial Garbage Bags
• Alcohol/Baby Wipes (40-count)
• Hygiene supplies
◦ Bar Soap (with container)
◦ Shampoo
◦ Wash cloth
◦ Toothbrush
◦ Toothpaste
◦ Floss
◦ Razor
◦ Brush
◦ Hand Sanitizer
◦ Chapstick
◦ Deodorant (minimal scent)
◦ Feminine products
• Bug Spray/Wipes
• Sunscreen
• Industrial Garbage Bags
Security
• Bell & String for Perimeter warning
• Non-lethal deterrents:
◦ Bear/Pepper spray
◦ Taser (and charger)
• Bell & String for Perimeter warning
• Non-lethal deterrents:
◦ Bear/Pepper spray
◦ Taser (and charger)
Mental
• Paperback Scriptures
• Patriarchal Blessing
• Journal
• Ear Plugs
• Paperback Scriptures
• Patriarchal Blessing
• Journal
• Ear Plugs
Optional Items
• Moleskin tape
• Sleeping Pad
• Hatchet
• Folding shovel
• Flexible Saw
• GPS
• Flares
• Fixed Blade Knife
• Fish Hooks & Wire
• Foldable stove
• Propane Can & Mini stove top
• Syphon Pump
• Safety Goggles
• Dust/Gas Mask
• Antibiotics
• Hand Lotion
• Mini Solar panels (USB charging)
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Benadryl or Caladryl Lotion (for insect bites)
• Magnifying Glass
• Sutures
• Decongestant (pseudoephedrine/ mucinex)
• Moleskin tape
• Sleeping Pad
• Hatchet
• Folding shovel
• Flexible Saw
• GPS
• Flares
• Fixed Blade Knife
• Fish Hooks & Wire
• Foldable stove
• Propane Can & Mini stove top
• Syphon Pump
• Safety Goggles
• Dust/Gas Mask
• Antibiotics
• Hand Lotion
• Mini Solar panels (USB charging)
• Mini Sewing Kit
• Benadryl or Caladryl Lotion (for insect bites)
• Magnifying Glass
• Sutures
• Decongestant (pseudoephedrine/ mucinex)
• Hydrogen Peroxide (wound-cleaning)
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Cotton Swabs (Q-tips)
• Safety Pins
• Murine (Eye drops)
• Instant Ice Packs
• Instant heat Packs
• Thermometer
• CPR breathing barrier
• Extra Gauze
• 5-Gallon Bucket with toilet bags, powder and seat lid
• Wash cloth
• Towel
• Stitches Stapler
• Crackers, Cereal, canned juice, etc.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Work Gloves
• Utility Key
• Bolt Cutters
• Paper towels
• Snake bite kit
• Snares
• Pocket SAS Survival Guidebook
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Cotton Swabs (Q-tips)
• Safety Pins
• Murine (Eye drops)
• Instant Ice Packs
• Instant heat Packs
• Thermometer
• CPR breathing barrier
• Extra Gauze
• 5-Gallon Bucket with toilet bags, powder and seat lid
• Wash cloth
• Towel
• Stitches Stapler
• Crackers, Cereal, canned juice, etc.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Work Gloves
• Utility Key
• Bolt Cutters
• Paper towels
• Snake bite kit
• Snares
• Pocket SAS Survival Guidebook
(see "Medical and First Aid" for trauma kit)
Other Portable Kit suggestions
Vehicle Kit Suggestions
Additional Auto Supplies
• Tire Plugs/Needle
• Needle-nosed Pliers
• Gloves
• Can of Tire Sealant & Inflator
• Portable DC Air pump
• Road Flares (or LED)
• Solar/Crank Flashlight
• Rain Poncho
• Vehicle-specific Tool kit
• Tire Plugs/Needle
• Needle-nosed Pliers
• Gloves
• Can of Tire Sealant & Inflator
• Portable DC Air pump
• Road Flares (or LED)
• Solar/Crank Flashlight
• Rain Poncho
• Vehicle-specific Tool kit
For safety and attention in emergency circumstances it may be advisable to have on hand yellow/white flashing vehicle lights, a reflective vest, a hard hat and road warning signs.
Items for your typical Every Day Carry:
• Smart Phone (Communication, Flashlight, GPS, time, Accessing this website, etc.)
• Travel Security Belt
• Micro Ceramic Knife/Scraper
• Paper Cash
• House Key Copy
• Multitool (Knife, screwdrivers, etc)
• Pill Box
• Power Bank
• Smart Phone (Communication, Flashlight, GPS, time, Accessing this website, etc.)
• Travel Security Belt
• Micro Ceramic Knife/Scraper
• Paper Cash
• House Key Copy
• Multitool (Knife, screwdrivers, etc)
• Pill Box
• Power Bank
