Low-Cost Emergency Supply Kit: Assemble Your Own Kit for Less

Authors: Robert Ricard, Faye Griffiths-Smith and Mary Ellen Welch
Publication # EXT079 | 2024

https://doi.org/10.61899/ucext.v1.079.2024

Introduction

Emergency and weather-related events can lead to everything from power outages to evacuation, and preparing ahead of time can help reduce stress. Gathering supplies beforehand also ensures collecting the potentially wide range of needs of various household members. Although pre-assembled emergency supply kits are commercially available to purchase, a supply kit tailored to specific needs can be assembled inexpensively. Prior to the flurry of activity that takes place when impending weather conditions or other emergencies arise, understanding a household’s needs can mean that all of the appropriate items are included.

Review the contents of the kit twice every six months to make certain all supplies are in place and replace any items that might have expired such as food or batteries. See Emergency Kit Check List.

When to Prepare an Emergency Kit

It is much easier to assemble a kit when the weather is not a concern. When the forecast calls for severe weather in the form of thunderstorms, high winds, flooding, snowstorms, nor’easters, hurricanes and/or tornadoes, not only is there pressure and stress on to prepare, but items may be in short supply at stores. Crowds and long lines at stores as well as empty shelves for specific items become the norm if shopping at the last minute.

Types of Weather-related Events and Duration

Examples of weather conditions that can occur in Connecticut are severe thunderstorms, flooding, snowstorms, nor’easters, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Prepare for a minimum of three days and up to one to two weeks. Keep in mind that in the event of a major storm, first responders may not be able to get to individual homes for several hours or even days. Other people may also need assistance.

Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit on a Budget

First, look at the list provided here, gather items already purchased in one spot, and cross them off the list. Put a star on the list by the most important items. Also, consider other must-have items needed in event of an emergency. Plan ahead and buy those needed items over time. Watch for coupons. Stores often have apps and email lists to subscribe to that may help to keep costs down. Perhaps plan to buy one sale item each shopping trip or each time income is available.

Think about options—Dollar, discount, warehouse and thrift stores, online, and sales at drugstores, home improvement, sporting goods, outdoor, and outfitter stores. Check out clearance and out-of-season items. Potentially buying some items in bulk with family or friends may prove to cost-effective. If asked for gift suggestions for upcoming birthday, anniversary or other special occasions, an item or two might be good possibilities. Be sure to consider any specific items that would be important for household members' well-being in a disaster.

Storing Emergency Supplies

Keep emergency supplies in an easily accessible, dry location, creating labeled, individual kits in durable bags or containers. Duffle bags, backpacks, plastic containers, and wheeled totes and suitcases are some examples of containers useful to store emergency supply kit materials.

Also consider how household needs may have changed in the past six months. For many, it may be convenient to remember to do this when the time changes in the Spring and Fall.

In Case of Evacuation

Evacuation can happen quickly. Having basic supplies (a ‘go kit’ or ‘bug out bag’) ready in advance will be helpful. Pack enough supplies for at least three days. Think ahead about evacuation sites and personal needs when reviewing supply lists and assembling items.

Emergency Kits

Don't forget to put together emergency kits for the car and workplace. In addition to a first aid kit, be prepared for common situations on the road such as a flat tire and dealing with cold weather. For the workplace kit, include food and other supplies needed for at least 24 hours.

Emergency Check List

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends these items:

  • Water: one gallon 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
  • Flashlight
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
  • Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
  • Manual can opener (for food)
  • Local maps
  • Prescription medications
  • Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
  • Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
  • Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Cash or traveler’s checks
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
  • Items for pets: collar, leash, picture for identification, or rabies vaccination certificate
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • A complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate
  • Sturdy shoes and possibly waterproof boots
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates, bowls, paper towels and plastic utensils
  • Paper, pen and pencil
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends these items:

  • Multiple masks for everyone ages 2 and above, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes

UConn Extension Disaster Education Network

UConn Extension, through the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN), provides trusted, science-based resources to help individuals, families, farmers, and municipalities prepare for, respond to, and recover from these powerful events.

For more more information and to print hardcopy check lists, our Extension EDEN website's Emergency Supply Kit page. 

For more more information about food supplies, read Pre-Storm To-Do List: Your Emergency Food Supply on our Extension EDEN website. 

Resources

American Red Cross. (n.d.). Survival kit supplies. Available at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html

National Weather Service. (n.d.). Emergency supplies kit. Available at  https://www.weather.gov/owlie/emergencysupplieskit

Ready.Gov. (n.d.). Build a kit. Available at https://www.ready.gov/kit

The information in this document is for educational purposes only. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available. The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.