For Your Household's Special Needs
Your emergency kit should be tailored to the unique needs of each household member.
Medications and medical equipment
Include prescription medications and medical equipment appropriate for your household members. This might include:
- Prescription medications in original containers with dosage information
- Medical devices or equipment specific to your family's needs
- Eyeglasses or contact lens solution if needed
- Toiletries and personal hygiene items
Infants and young children
Include infant formula, baby food, and wipes for infants and young children in your emergency kit. Build your main emergency kit over time with items from your home, starting with basic supplies before adding specialized items.
Pets and service animals
Prepare an emergency kit that includes food and water for your pets and service animals for at least 72 hours. Your pet emergency kit should include:
- A crate or carrier for safe transport
- A leash or harness
- Pet food and water
- Bowls and can opener
- Pet medications with dosage information and veterinarian's contact details
- Newspapers, paper towels, plastic bags, and litter box supplies
- A first-aid kit for pets
- Blanket and toys
- A pet file with recent photos, medical and vaccination records
Pet identification and safety
Ensure your pet wears identification at all times. Consider a microchip for identification and tracking during emergencies. Keep copies of:
- Recent photos of your pet
- Medical and vaccination records
- Emergency contact numbers
Keep your emergency plan current
Update your emergency kit and documents whenever there are changes in your household, such as new family members, new medications, or changes in pet ownership.
See also: 72-Hour Emergency Kit Checklist and Pet Emergency Planning.