What Is Necessary in an Emergency Kit?

An emergency kit should contain food, water, first aid, clothing, bedding, tools, hygienic items, personal documents and money.

Food and Water

• Nonperishable food items and plenty of purified water should be in an emergency kit. Food items suited to specific needs should be included (such as pet food and baby formula).

First Aid

• A basic first aid kit should include disinfectant, cold packs, gauze pads and bandages, tweezers, scissors, tape, gloves and over-the-counter medicine.

Clothing and Bedding

• An emergency kit should have a full change of clothes, undergarments, rain/snow gear and bedding supplies.

Hygienic Items and Tools

• Items necessary for hygiene should be part of an emergency kit, such as toothbrushes, soaps and prescription medications. It's also wise to have some tools, such as a knife, matches, cooking supplies, a wrench, duct tape, an axe, rope and batteries.

Documents and Money

• An emergency kit should also include personal documents, such as identification and insurance information, cash and an emergency credit card.