Essential Preparedness Kits: What to Pack Before Disaster Strikes

Cecilia Veloz
Oct 27, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Nov 12, 2025

When emergencies happen, every second counts. Whether it’s a wildfire evacuation, flash flood, or sudden power outage, having the right kits ready can make the difference between chaos and control. Preparing these kits in advance doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Start small in your preparations, one kit at a time, beginning with the items to meet your most basic needs. If possible, make it easy and free, start putting extra items you already have around your house together in a bag, box, old tote bag, pillowcase, duffle bag, plastic tote, grocery store bags... it doesn’t matter how your gathering efforts begin. You don’t need to build your dream preparedness kits right away, especially if you don’t have the budget. Get resourceful!

Preparedness isn’t solely about surviving, it’s about protecting what matters most: your safety, your loved ones, and your peace of mind. Here are the five essential types of preparedness kits every household should have, along with special items to include in each.

1. The Go Bag (Grab-and-Go Bag)

Definition:

A Go Bag, or 72-hour bag, is a small, portable kit designed to sustain you for up to three days during a quick evacuation.

Purpose & Use:

When a wildfire, flood, or chemical spill forces you to leave immediately, this is the bag you grab on your way out. It provides essentials for survival and comfort until you reach safety or a shelter.

What to Include:

Identification, insurance copies, emergency contacts
3 days of food & 1 gallon of water per day
First-aid kit & medications
Flashlight, batteries, and a power bank
Multi-tool, cash, and clothing
Hygiene supplies and a blanket

Pro Tip:
Keep a Go Bag for each person ready at all times and store them near exits. Place items in the vehicle or near your exit during significant hazards and weather events for quick exiting when evacuation is necessary.

2. The Bug-Out Bag (BOB)

Definition:

A Bug-Out Bag is a more advanced survival kit for longer evacuations, typically 3 to 7 days, when you may not be able to return home.

Purpose & Use:

Ideal for hurricanes, extended outages, or large-scale evacuations, this kit supports self-reliance away from infrastructure.

What to Include (in addition to Go Bag items):

Tent or tarp
Sleeping bag
Portable stove & cookware
Water filter & fire starter
Compass, rope, and repair tape

Difference:

Go Bags are for immediate evacuation, while Bug-Out Bags prepare you for longer-term survival off-grid.

3. The Car Preparedness Kit

Definition:

A Car Emergency Kit helps you handle breakdowns or weather emergencies while traveling.

Purpose & Use:

If you’re stranded in extreme heat, snow, or storms, this kit keeps you safe until help arrives.

What to Include:

Jumper cables, tire inflator, and toolkit
Reflective triangles & flashlight
Snacks, water, and a blanket
First-aid kit & gloves
Seasonal items: sunscreen (summer), ice scraper (winter)

4. The Home Emergency Kit

Definition:

A Home Kit is a long-term supply set for sheltering in place during storms, power outages, or pandemics.

What to Include:

Two weeks of non-perishable food & water
Battery-powered radio
Extra batteries & flashlights
Sanitation items and hygiene supplies
Pet food, blankets, and a first-aid kit

Pro Tip:

Label each bin by category (food, water, power, hygiene) for quick access.

The Fireproof Document Safe

Definition:

A Fireproof Document Safe safeguards critical records from fire, water, and theft.

What to Store:

Birth certificates, passports, and deeds
Insurance policies and medical directives
USB drive with digital copies
Spare keys and cash

Difference:

This kit stay stored safely and securely at home; its purpose is document protection. This will keep it safe in your home and during transport during evacuations.

Kit Type	Primary Purpose	Duration	Location	Key Focus
Go Bag	Quick evacuation	72 hrs	Home/Car	Mobility + essentials
Pet Go Bag	Animal evacuation	3–5 days	Home/Car	Safety & comfort
Bug-Out Bag	Long-term evacuation	3–7 days	Home/Vehicle	Survival & self-reliance
Car Kit	Roadside safety	Variable	Vehicle	Travel emergencies
Home Kit	Shelter-in-place	Up to 2 weeks	Home	Sustained comfort
Fireproof Safe	Document protection	Permanent	Home	Record preservation

Bonus: Pet Go Bag: Don’t Forget Your Furry Family Members

Definition:

A Pet Go Bag ensures your animal companions are safe, fed, and comfortable during an evacuation.

Purpose & Use:

Pets rely on you completely in emergencies. Having their essentials packed in advance means you can move quickly without forgetting critical items.

What to Include:

Food and water: 3–5 days’ worth in airtight containers
Collapsible bowls for easy feeding and hydration
Leash, harness, and ID tags with current contact information
Crate or carrier for safe transport
Pet first-aid kit (bandages, tweezers, antiseptic wipes)
Medications and medical records in a waterproof pouch
Comfort items: blanket, toy, or bed for familiarity
Waste supplies: poop bags or disposable litter box
Photo of your pet (in case of separation for identification)

Pro Tip:

Label your pet’s bag with their name, vet info, and your phone number. If space allows, keep the bag in your car for quick access during travel or emergency evacuations.

Amazon has essentials for your Go-Bag to keep you comfortable and prepared.