Hey there! My name is Natalie, and I am a Ready Navy Kid – just like you! Last year, I worked with my mom to make an emergency kit for our whole family – even our cat, Neptune.
Now that we live in Washington, D.C., I’m working with my mom to make a Bug Out Bag. This bag is just for me in case we have to evacuate or leave our house during a hurricane, flood, or other emergency. It is also for those times when I may need to stay inside until an emergency is over. My Bug Out Bag has:
- Bottles of water
- Chocolate chip granola bars
- A flashlight and extra batteries
- My family’s emergency plan and contact card
- An extra charger for my cell phone.
- My favorite book – just in case the power goes out
Your bug out bag won’t replace your family kit, so be sure to work with your family to build a kit that will support your entire family for at least three days.
Your family emergency supply kit should contain these basic items:
- Water—at least one gallon per person per day for at least three days
- Food—nonperishable food (i.e. canned food) for at least three days
- Multitool
- Whistle
- First aid kit
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries
- Cell phone and charger and extra batteries
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Local maps, your family emergency plan, $100 in cash in local currency
- Important documents, enclosed in a waterproof container
- Sanitation supplies such as moist towelettes, garbage bags, and ties
- Additional items for your family’s unique needs such as infant food, diapers, prescription medications, and pet essentials
- Books, games, puzzles, toys, or other fun activities
Your “bug out” bag and Emergency kit items should be stored in a waterproof container close to your home’s exit door. Make sure everyone in the family knows where the kit is located!
Talk to you parents about why it is important to have an emergency kit.
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Click here to print out a full Family Kit List, and take it with you when you shop.
You might also want to check out Storm Hero to find 20 items that should go into your family's emergency kit and other games and activities on the Ready Navy Kids Fun Activities page.