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Emergency Supplies: Checklist

Red Cross emergency supplies backpack

Be prepared for emergencies: make or buy a 72 hour emergency supplies kit.

  • Emergency Supplies and kits are available in Oracle (search “Emergency Supplies”).
  • Contact the American Red Cross to purchase emergency backpack supplies.

When preparing for an emergency, be sure to have enough food, water, and supplies for at least 72 hours. A stockpile of supplies can add to your safety and comfort during and after an emergency. Here are recommended items:

Workplace/home essentials Safety and comfort
  • Water (1 gallon per person per day — a week's supply is best)
  • Food
  • Flashlight and batterie
  • Portable radio
  • First aid kit, freshly stocked
  • Whistle
  • Essential medications
  • Cash and change
  • Can opener (non-electric)
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • First aid book
  • Flashdrive (for important documents)
  • Cell phone and charger
  • Local map
  • Sturdy shoes, heavy gloves (for clearing debris)
  • Candles and matches
  • Light sticks
  • Change of clothes
  • Knife or razor blades
  • Garden hose (for siphoning and fighting fires)
  • Tent
  • Communication kit (paper, pens, stamps)
Additional essentials Cooking
  • Water purification kit and wipes
  • Fire extinguisher (A-B-C type)
  • Extra pair of eyeglasses
  • Extra set of house and car keys
  • Baby supplies (formula, bottle, pacifier, soap and baby powder, clothing, blankets, wipes, disposable diapers, canned foods and juices)
  • Pet supplies
  • Plastic knives, forks, and spoons
  • Paper towels
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • Camping stove (Caution: Before using fire to cook, make sure there are no gas leaks. Never use charcoal indoors.)
Sanitation supplies Tools and other supplies
  • Large plastic trash bags (for waste)
  • Tarps and rain ponchos
  • Bar soap and liquid detergent
  • Personal hygiene items: shampoo, toothpaste
  • Feminine hygiene supplies
  • Toilet paper
  • Household bleach
  • Ax, shovel, and broom
  • Adjustable wrench (for turning off gas)
  • Tool kit (including screwdriver, pliers, hammer)
  • Coil of 1/2-inch rope
  • Plastic tape, staple gun, and sheeting (for window replacement)
  • Bicycle
  • City map
Note: this page has a friendly link that’s easy to remember: http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/emergencysupplies