These are some essentials for a basic kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per 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 and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps (no one seems to think about this)
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger
For a long term situation the best thing to remember is "what could be useful?" Things such as rope, scissors, Clorox wipes, gloves etc. are some things to thing about as well!

