Emergency Kit Gift Ideas for the Holidays

Here are some great gift ideas for items that should be added to emergency kits:

 3-day water supply (at least a gallon per person per day)

 3-day supply of non-perishable food (dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc.)
 Manual can opener
 Mess kits, paper plates, plastic cups, utensils
 Paper towels
 First aid kit
 Flashlights with extra batteries
 Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries
 Whistle to signal for help
 Local maps
 Sleeping bag or warm blanket for everyone in your family
 Matches in a waterproof container or re-sealable plastic bag
 Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and hand sanitizer

Be sure to enhance your gift with a festive card that includes the above Emergency Kit checklist, and urge the gift recipient to also add these items to their kit:

 Cell phone with charger, extra battery, and solar charger
 Extra set of car keys and house keys

 Change of clothes appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes – for each person in the house

 Cash or traveler’s check
 Copies of important documents, such as health insurance card, vaccination records, vital records (birth and death certificates), driver's license, social security card, etc., along with a  waterproof container to store them
 Prescription medicines, eye glasses, hearing aids, etc.

 Family and emergency contact list

Do you know families with children who have disabilities or special needs?
View our checklist for Families with Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN).

Don't forget the pets! Be sure to remind loved ones to stock up on items their pet may need during a disaster. Go to the Pet Emergency Kit Checklist