Disaster & Emergency Kits

That time of year arrives when we realize we might not be as prepared for an emergency as we thought. Suddenly we’re standing in a Home Depot or Walmart, staring at shelves, wondering: What exactly do I even need?

“Always be prepared” sounds good — but prepared for what, exactly?

Let’s break it down into manageable questions.

Prepared for What, Exactly?

Emergencies look different depending on:

• Climate
• Season
• Geography
• Household needs
• Personal medical needs

In a world where anything can happen, the goal isn’t to prepare for everything — it’s to build a useful, realistic disaster or emergency kit.

A disaster kit is designed for moments when normal systems fail:

• Power
• Water
• Food access
• Transportation
• Communication
• Access to medical care

The ultimate goal is simple: stay safe, functional, and informed until help arrives or conditions stabilize.

How Is a Disaster Kit Different From a First Aid Kit?

These two are related — but they are not the same.

• First aid kits focus on treating injuries and medical issues
• Disaster kits focus on survival, stability, and continuity of daily life

A disaster kit includes first aid supplies, but it goes far beyond bandages.

Read more about First Aid Kits here, including packing lists!

Consider the Context

Before buying anything, pause and ask:

• Where do I live?
• What weather events are common here?
• How many people — and pets — am I responsible for?
• Do I rely on electricity for medical equipment?
• Would I shelter in place or need to evacuate?
• Does anyone have specific medical needs or physical disabilities?

Preparedness is most effective when it’s personalized.

Core Disaster Kit Categories

Water & Food

• Drinking water (multiple days)
• Water filter
• Shelf-stable food
• Manual can opener
• Electrolyte packets
• Clean water for medical needs

Why it matters: Dehydration and low blood sugar worsen every emergency.

Light, Power & Communication

• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Emergency light sticks
• Cell phone chargers and backup battery
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• NOAA weather radio
• Portable generator (for extremely cold climates)

Why it matters: Information reduces fear and prevents dangerous decisions.

Clothing, Warmth & Shelter

• Emergency blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Weather-appropriate clothing in layers
• Sturdy shoes
• Waterproof boots
• Plastic tarp
• Portable heater (for extremely cold climates)
• Candles
• Waterproof matches

Why it matters: Exposure can be deadly — even indoors.

Safety & Signaling

• Whistle
• Reflective strips
• Fire extinguisher
• Flare gun

Why it matters: Being seen and heard saves time.

Tools & Utilities

• Multi-tool
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Duct tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Bungee cords and/or rope
• Scissors
• Jumper cables
• Local maps
• Metal bowl, mug, and utensils

Why it matters: Small fixes prevent big problems.

Medical, Personal & Hygiene Needs

• Prescription medications
• Disability-specific supplies
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap, moist towelettes, disinfecting wipes
• Toilet paper
• Garbage bags and plastic ties
• Dust masks

Why it matters: Comfort and dignity preserve health.

Family & Pets

• Pet food and supplies
• Leashes or carriers

Why it matters: Emergencies don’t cancel responsibility.

Climate-Dependent Items

Depending on where you live, consider adding:

• Shovels
• Ice scrapers
• Sleds (for transport)
• Sand or kitty litter
• Rock salt
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Life vests
• Cooling towels
• Battery-powered fans

Documentation & Cash

Store copies in a waterproof container:

• ID, passport, birth certificates
• Insurance information
• Important contact numbers
• Cash

A Special Note for People With Disabilities

Spend time thinking through:

• How to safely move, reposition, or evacuate
• Mobility support devices you may need
• Which prescriptions and medical devices are critical
• How and when to gather supplies in an emergency

Have a written list that includes:

• Medical conditions
• Allergies
• Current medications (with dosages)
• Doctors’ contact information
• Care instructions

Keep one copy on the person and one with a caregiver or family member.

When Emergencies Become Medical

Disasters increase injuries. Help may be delayed. You may be the first responder by default.

There is a simple framework used in emergency care to decide what matters most first.

(Link placeholder: ABCs of Emergencies post- coming soon!)

“This Seems Like a Lot to Store”

It can feel overwhelming — but many of these items are things you already use.

• Keep supplies together in a labeled, waterproof bag or container
• Store items where they’re accessible, not buried
• Pack spare batteries for everything
• Check expiration dates periodically
• Keep a checklist for grab-and-go items
• Practice drills so everyone knows where to go and what to bring

Preparedness improves with practice, not perfection.

Why Bother?

Preparedness is practice.

It’s what turns chaos into something manageable — so you don’t freeze or panic, but recognize the moment, know the next steps, and have the resources to move toward safety.

You don’t need to predict everything.
You just need a plan that fits your life.

For an in-depth look at First Aid Kits, read this post.

Sources

• Ready.gov – Disaster Kit Guidance
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Disability Emergency Preparedness

First Aid Kit Essentials: What to Include and Why

Accidents happen everywhere. As a former EMT and current nurse, one of the most common questions I get is:
“What should I have in a first aid kit?”

First aid is for immediate, short-term care of common injuries and minor medical issues. Think of it as a bridge—a pause button—between an incident and further medical care. The goal isn’t to replace professional treatment, but to stabilize, protect, and reduce harm until help is available (or no longer needed).

There’s no single “perfect” first aid kit. What you need depends on who you are, what you do, where you go, and who you’re responsible for. A kit for a backpacker will look different from one for a family with kids, and both should look different from a workplace kit.

Who should have a first aid kit?

Short answer: almost everyone.

First aid kits are useful for:

• Gardeners
• Families
• Drivers
• Hikers and campers
• Backpackers
• Coaches and teachers
• Travelers

If you spend time around other humans—or sharp objects, tools, animals, roads, kitchens, or weather—you’re a good candidate for a first aid kit.

A first aid kit should be part of:

• Disaster or emergency kits (see full post here)
• Car emergency kits
• Household supplies
• Workplace preparedness materials

In the sections below, I’ll break down what to include, why each item matters, and how to tailor a first aid kit to your needs—without overcomplicating it or turning it into a medical supply closet.

First Aid Kit Essentials

Wound Care

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)
• Gauze pads and roller gauze
• Trauma pads
• Non-stick pads
• Antiseptic wipes
• Moleskin pads
• Medical tape (cloth and/or paper)
• Petroleum jelly
• Burn dressings
• Hemostatic gauze or clotting agent (e.g., QuickClot)

Protection & Hygiene

• Non-latex gloves
• Face masks
• Hand sanitizer
• Alcohol swabs

Support & Immobilization

• Elastic (ACE) wrap
• Sports tape
• Finger splint
• Moldable splint
• Triangular bandages and safety pins
• Sling

Tools

• Tweezers
• Trauma shears
• Cotton-tip applicators
• Paper and pencil

Medications*

• Baby aspirin (81 mg)
• Acetaminophen
• Ibuprofen
• Antacids
• Anti-diarrheal medication
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Glucose tablets or candy

*Always follow dosing instructions and be aware of allergies, age restrictions, and medical conditions.

Comfort & Miscellaneous

• Instant cold packs
• Heat packs
• Granola bars or snacks
• Poncho
• Emergency blanket

Special Situations to Consider

Keep in mind who this kit may serve. Different populations have different needs.

• Kids: Pediatric sizing, weight-based medication dosing, and comfort items
• Sports teams: Extra elastic wraps, ice and heat packs, splints, and sports tape
• Diabetes: Glucometer, test strips, lancets, and glucose tabs if you regularly serve diabetics
• Severe allergies: Individuals may carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). Ensure responsible adults know when and how to use it
• Opioid overdose risk: Naloxone (Narcan) is a rapid-acting nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses caused by prescription painkillers, fentanyl, or heroin. It is safe, easy to use, and will not harm someone if opioids are not present. Many states no longer require a prescription. I carry it in my car.

A Final (Important) Note

Pick and choose what works best for you.

Supplies are only helpful if you know when and how to use them. Take time to familiarize yourself with each item in your kit. Practice things like:

• Wrapping a bandage
• Using a splint
• Administering medications you’re unfamiliar with

In an emergency, remember your ABCs—a simple, step-by-step approach to emergency assessment and care that anyone can learn.

[Link to ABCs of Emergencies post- Coming Soon!]

You’ve got this.

To learn about Disaster Preparedness Read This Post!