Home Emergency Kits

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Home & Family Emergency Kits

About Home & Family Emergency Kits

Emergency Kits, sometimes called disaster kits or survival kits, are the essential foundation of any robust emergency preparedness plan. At EmergencyKits.com, we understand that preparedness needs vary, which is why we build and supply comprehensive emergency kits for every environment: from home emergency kits and office emergency kits to specialized solutions for classrooms and schools, first responders, military personnel, and even pets. We also offer car emergency kits and can build custom emergency kits to meet your unique needs and specifications. Our extensive selection of disaster preparedness kits is meticulously assembled, with many options exceeding guidelines established by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring you receive reliable, high-quality supplies. Don't Delay, Prepare Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about home emergency kits — what to include, how long supplies should last, and how to prepare for both staying and going — because the best kit is the one that's ready before you ever need it.

What should be in a home emergency kit?

A home emergency kit should cover water (1 gallon per person per day), food (3 days minimum), first aid, lighting, NOAA radio, batteries, sanitation supplies, blankets, basic tools, and copies of important documents. Home kits are larger than go-bags because they support shelter-in-place rather than evacuation.

How big of a kit does a family of four actually need?

A family of four needs at least 12 gallons of water and 12 servings of food per meal for a 3-day kit, plus a shared first aid kit, 4 flashlights, emergency blankets, and sanitation supplies. For a 14-day kit, scale water and food to 56 gallons and 56 meal servings per meal.

Should I get a 72-hour kit or a 2-week kit for my home?

Yes to both: Start with a 72-hour kit to meet the FEMA baseline, then expand to 14 days if you live in an earthquake, hurricane, or wildfire zone where utility restoration can take longer.

Where should I store my emergency kit in the house?

Store your home kit in an easily accessible closet or garage near the primary exit, at a stable temperature between 40 and 80 degrees.

Do I need separate kits for each bedroom?

No, but a small bedroom kit with a flashlight, whistle, mask, shoes, and emergency blanket is a smart supplement for overnight evacuations. It does not replace the main household kit, which holds the bulk water, food, and first aid supplies.

What makes a home kit different from a bug out bag?

A home kit is built for shelter-in-place and holds bulk water and food that would be too heavy to carry. A bug out bag is sized for evacuation on foot and contains 72 hours of portable supplies. Most households need both.

How often do I need to replace home emergency supplies?

Rotate water annually (or buy 5-year emergency water pouches), food based on best-by date (1 to 25 years depending on type), batteries every 3 to 5 years, and medications per label. Set a calendar reminder for the twice-yearly daylight saving time weekend.

Can a home emergency kit cover both shelter-in-place and evacuation?

No, only partially. A home kit holds too much weight for foot evacuation. Keep a separate go-bag staged next to your home kit with 72 hours of portable supplies, documents, and personal items for a fast exit.

Do you provide printable home emergency planning forms and guides?

Yes. We have planning guides and printable forms available for individuals and families on our Emergency Preparedness Resources page. https://www.emergencykits.com/emergency-preparedness-documents-for-individuals-and-families/.