Emergency Preparedness FAQs

A basic kit follows official guidelines: water, food, first aid, and communication gear. For example, include one gallon of water per person per day (for at least three days); nutrient-dense non-perishable food (energy bars, canned or freeze-dried meals); a stocked first aid kit (bandages, disinfectant, pain relievers); a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio and chargers; flashlights with extra batteries; and personal items (clothing, hygiene supplies, important documents). Customize for your family (e.g., pet food, baby supplies).

Regular maintenance is key, so do six-month kit checks. Inspect all items and replace any expired or soon-to-expire supplies. Refresh water and food before their “best-by” dates, change batteries annually, and replenish any used first aid items. Make sure to defer to manufacturer recommendations on storage, replacements, and expirations. Doing these checks semi-annually ensures your kit remains ready, since even long-lasting foods and water should be rotated to stay fresh. Make 

Stress, cold weather, and physical exertion all spike your calorie needs. A single packet (400–600 kcal) of nut butter, energy gel, or a compressed meal bar delivers dense fuel with minimal weight, which is perfect for when you’re on the move. In addition, these packets usually have long shelf lives and can be stored easily in case of emergencies. 

Look for freeze-dried or canned meals labeled for your needs. Many brands offer gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options. Always check ingredient lists, and consider adding allergy-safe snacks so everyone in your family is covered. When in doubt, review ingredient lists to check for possible allergens and other cross-contamination from manufacturing facilities. 

While regular canned goods can be a part of your emergency stash, they may not be the best option on their own. Canned goods typically have a shorter shelf life (usually 1-5 years) compared to specialized emergency food supplies, which can last 20-30 years. Emergency food kits are designed with lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals that require minimal resources (such as just-add-water and/or no-heat-required meals). These no-fuss meals are ideal for disaster situations. They also provide a balanced mix of nutrients, while canned goods may not offer the same variety or convenience in an emergency. It’s a good idea to combine regular canned goods with specialized emergency food supplies to create a well-rounded and long-lasting emergency food plan.

Preparedness can be done affordably. Start with critical essentials (water, a long self-life food, a flashlight with extra batteries, a radio, and a basic first-aid kit). Build up from there. Many of these items are inexpensive individually. Kits from Emergency List are often more cost-effective than buying everything a la carte, and you can choose smaller kits (1- or 2-person kits) to fit your budget. Think of it as spreading out the cost over time, and remember that even a basic 72-hour kit is far cheaper than the price of an emergency situation getting worse.

Preparedness can be done affordably. Start with critical essentials (water, a bit of food, a flashlight and batteries, a radio, and a basic first-aid kit). Build up from there. Many of these items are inexpensive individually. Kits from Emergency List are often more cost-effective than buying everything a la carte, and you can choose smaller kits (1- or 2-person kits) to fit your budget. Think of it as spreading out the cost over time, and remember that even a basic 72-hour kit is far cheaper than the price of an emergency situation getting worse.

Shipping timelines from our partners vary. You will receive a tracking number by email once your kit ships, so you can follow its journey. Note that during high-demand times (e.g., just before a storm), shipping may take an extra day or so.

We offer both all-in-one kits and individual items that can be ordered a la carte for a kit that fits your unique needs. 

Functionally, they’re the same: supplies for three days. But a 3-day kit often implies a higher comfort level with larger food/water quantities, more extensive first-aid (splints, suturing kits), spare clothing layers, and perhaps small tools (folding shovel). A 72-hour kit can be a minimal bug-out bag for quick evacuation with only the essentials to survive.

Think of it as insurance. The cost of a few hundred dollars for a kit is tiny compared to potential losses if you’re caught unprepared. Being unprepared could jeopardize your health, property, and even your life. Plus, you can use some items like flashlights in everyday life (camping trips, car breakdowns, etc.). Food has a very long shelf life and can be rotated into regular use, keeping your kit fresh while using the food or first aid supplies without waste.

Yes. People in cities can face emergencies too: hurricanes, blizzards, floods, earthquakes, etc. Power, water, and internet outages can hit cities hard. A compact kit (we have 72-hour city kits and car kits) ensures you have essentials even if you have to shelter in place. Many urban families keep a kit in an apartment closet and one in the car. Preparing in advance simply gives you options and safety. Even an extra 24 hours of self-sufficiency can make a huge difference to your peace of mind.

We offer kits in various sizes. For limited space, consider a smaller backpack or a storage tub that fits under a bed or in a closet. Even our larger kits (two-day or multi-person kits) are designed to be stored with minimal footprint. 

Beyond flashlights and extra batteries, include a multi-function hand-crank/solar radio, a high-capacity rechargeable battery bank (20,000 mAh+), rechargeable lanterns or chemical light sticks, and, if you have space, a small generator with extra fuel stored safely.

A compact survival kit should include versatile, multi-purpose tools that cover a range of needs. Essential items include a high-quality knife or multi-tool, a firestarter (like waterproof matches or a lighter), a can opener, a small flashlight, a small first aid kit, and a whistle. If room allows, you can also add a portable stove or cooking gear, along with compact fuel. These supplies ensure you’re ready for various survival situations without taking up too much room in your kit.

For sanitation during emergencies, keep a separate kit with essentials like a portable toilet or waste bags, trash bags, hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, toilet paper in waterproof bags, gloves, masks, bleach, and feminine hygiene products. If you’re outdoors, add a small shovel for digging cat holes. Store this kit separately so it’s easy to access when you need it.

Freeze-dried meals and MREs both have their advantages. Freeze-dried foods (often packed in #10 cans) are lightweight, compact, and have a very long shelf life, typically 25 to 30 years. They generally retain 90–95% of their vitamins and taste closer to fresh food once rehydrated. The trade-off is that you need water (hot or cold) to prepare them. MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat), on the other hand, are self-contained and require no preparation. They’re calorie-dense, durable, and ideal for quick meals on the go. However, they usually have a shorter shelf life (around 5 years) and contain more preservatives and sodium.

Use a simple spreadsheet or free inventory app to make sure items are staying fresh, according to manufacturer recommendations. Log each item with its purchase date and shelf life, then set reminders (phone calendar or email) to check seals every 5 years and rotate if needed.

Earthquake prep emphasizes what you do during the event and its aftermath. In addition to your regular emergency kit, consider these extra supplies: Utility tools like a crescent or pipe wrench to shut off gas and water lines in case of leaks; safety gear such as sturdy shoes, heavy gloves, helmets, and flashlights to use when sheltering in place; and a hand-crank or battery-powered radio for communication if cell towers go down. Keep cash and copies of important documents in a waterproof bag. FEMA recommends additional water, food, a fire extinguisher, and a robust first-aid kit.

Hurricanes bring strong winds, flooding, and prolonged power outages. Beyond your basic emergency kit, add extra drinking water (at least one gallon per person per day for two weeks), fuel for your car or generator, and ready-to-eat food. Stock materials like tarps, plastic sheeting, duct tape, and plywood to patch leaks or board windows. If flooding is likely, keep sandbags or barriers on hand. Include waterproof boots, spare clothes, flashlights, extra batteries, and a weather radio. Don’t forget cash, important documents, and water purification supplies in case city services go down.

For kids, you can downsize food portions and make sure you include age-appropriate food, such as formula for babies, soft snacks for little ones, and foods with easy-to-open packaging. Extra hydration and electrolyte drinks are always a good idea for kids. You can add comfort items, too, like a favorite toy or blanket, for kids’ peace of mind. To customize a kit for the elderly, make sure to include their prescription medications (with large-print labels), mobility aids, and assistive devices. Include personal care items and emergency contact lists.

Schedule a “prep drill” every six months: pick a weekend, unpack your kit, cook a meal, charge electronics, and practice using your radio or water filter. This not only verifies everything works but also reminds you what needs replacing.

Emergency List curates its kits with reliability in mind. We find quality-tested items from the most reputable manufacturers. We don’t sell you any products that we wouldn’t use ourselves to safeguard our families in the event of an emergency.