Hurricane Emergency Kit: Family Checklist

This guide walks you through building a hurricane emergency kit that covers your whole family for at least 72 hours. You’ll learn exactly what to pack, how to organize it, and what to avoid so you’re not scrambling when a storm is days away.

What You’ll Need

• A large plastic tote or waterproof duffel bag with a lid
• One gallon of water per person per day (for 3 days)
• Non-perishable food (canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit)
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• Copies of important documents (IDs, insurance, medical records)
• Cash in small bills
• Cell phone chargers and power banks
• Hygiene items (toothbrush, soap, hand sanitizer)
• Wet wipes and garbage bags for sanitation
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
• Multi-tool or basic tools
• Duct tape and plastic sheeting
• Whistle to signal for help
• Masks for dust and smoke
• Pet supplies if you have pets
• Baby supplies if needed (diapers, formula)

Step-by-Step

1. Choose the right container. Use a clear, sturdy plastic tote with a tight lid so you can see contents and keep out moisture. Label it clearly with a permanent marker.
2. Calculate water needs. Plan for 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days. For a family of four, that’s 12 gallons. Store in sealed, food-grade containers and replace every 6 months.
3. Pack food that needs no refrigeration. Include canned meats, beans, vegetables, peanut butter, granola bars, and dried fruit. Aim for 2,000 calories per person per day. Don’t forget a manual can opener.
4. Add lighting and communication. Place flashlights in the top layer, with extra batteries in a ziplock bag. Include a NOAA weather radio that can run on batteries or a hand crank.
5. Assemble a first aid kit. Buy a pre-made kit or build one: bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, and any prescription meds your family takes.
6. Copy important documents. Scan IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and proof of address into a waterproof USB drive. Also keep paper copies in a sealed plastic bag.
7. Pack cash and chargers. Include small bills and coins (ATMs may be down). Add power banks for phones and a car charger.
8. Add clothing and bedding. One change of clothes per person, plus rain gear and sturdy shoes. Include a blanket or sleeping bag per person.
9. Include hygiene and sanitation. Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a small pack of garbage bags. If you have a baby, add diapers and wipes.
10. Add tools and safety items. Duct tape, plastic sheeting (to cover broken windows), a whistle, a multi-tool, and work gloves.
11. Don’t forget pets. Pack a week’s worth of pet food, water, a leash, and any medications. Include a photo of your pet in case you get separated.
12. Store the kit in an accessible spot. Keep it near an exit or in a closet you can grab quickly. Make sure every adult knows where it is.
13. Check and refresh every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, batteries, and medications. Update documents as needed.

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to rotate supplies. Water goes stale and batteries die. Set a reminder to refresh twice a year.
• Not packing enough for kids or pets. Diapers, formula, and pet food are easy to overlook but critical.
• Ignoring medication needs. You may not be able to get to a pharmacy for weeks. Pack a 7-day supply, and rotate it.
• Using a backpack that’s too small. A standard backpack won’t hold 12 gallons of water. Use a large tote or rolling cooler.
• Leaving out a manual can opener. Electric openers are useless in a power outage.
• Not including cash. Credit card machines may be down for days.

Tips

• Write a checklist on the lid so you can quickly see what’s inside.
• Use vacuum-sealed bags for clothes and documents to keep them dry.
• Keep a smaller “go bag” in your car with just the essentials for evacuation.
• Practice a family drill so everyone knows how to grab the kit and where to meet.
• Store the kit off the floor in case of flooding.

Troubleshooting

Kit is too heavy to lift? Split it into two totes: one for water and heavy food, one for lighter items. Keep both near the same exit.

You forgot something when the storm hits? If you have time, grab extra water, medications, and chargers. If not, prioritize water and shelter; you can often find food at shelters.

Water tastes like plastic after storage? Replace it. Store water in a cool, dark place and use food-grade containers. Rotate every 6 months.

You have an infant but didn’t pack formula? In an emergency, you may need to use ready-to-feed formula from a shelter or store. Always keep a 3-day supply in your kit.

Power banks are dead? Keep them charged monthly. If they’re dead, use the car charger or a hand-crank radio to power a small USB device.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much water do I really need per person? One gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. For a 72-hour kit, that’s 3 gallons per person.

Can I use bottled water from the store? Yes, but check expiration dates. Sealed bottled water lasts about 2 years if stored properly.

What if I have a pet? Should I pack extra? Absolutely. Include at least 3 days of pet food, water, a leash, and any medications. Also pack a photo of your pet for identification.

How often should I replace the food? Check every 6 months. Canned goods last 1-5 years, but protein bars and crackers expire sooner. Replace anything past its date.

Do I need a generator? Not necessarily. A battery-powered radio and flashlights are safer and more portable. If you do use a generator, never run it indoors.

What should I do with the kit after the storm passes? Inspect for damage, replace used items, and restock. If you evacuated, check for mold and water damage before reusing.

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