Gather Supplies
Gathering emergency supplies is easier than you may think. Do what you can because every step you take puts you closer to being prepared.
Whether you Stay or Go after a major disaster, you will need emergency supplies to survive on your own for 5-7 days. Plan for what you and members of your household will need to meet daily needs such as meals, sanitation, medication and maintaining personal medical devices.
To organize your supplies, you will need a backpack and a storage bin or box.
Explore the three tabs of supplies below: Essential, Useful and Personal. Click on an image to read more about it.
Download the Gather Emergency Supplies checklist English Spanish Vietnamese
Water
Stay hydrated by storing one gallon per person, per day and don’t forget your pets. 1/2 gallon for drinking and 1/2 for cooking/sanitation. Don’t skimp
First Aid Kit
You might need to patch up small scrapes or big ones until help arrives. Channel your inner Scout and keep a first aid kit on hand.
Flashlight or Headlamp
When the power is out, a good flashlight and lantern are invaluable. A headlamp is a great alternative because it frees both your hands to do other things.
Fire Extinguisher
You didn’t start the fire. But you can help extinguish it. Stash a fire extinguisher in the kitchen so that you can stay safe, just in case.
N95 Mask
We are all very mask-aware. If there is smoke from a nearby fire, N95 and KN95 will filter the small particles. Put one in the car too.
Non-perishable food
When grocery shopping, add extra shelf-stable foods (that you like to eat!) to your basket. If canned foods don’t have a pop-top, add a can opener to your stash.
Warm clothes and sturdy shoes
Disasters can happen in any season. If you can’t get to your closet, having layers of warm clothes and walking shoes in your stash will be helpful.
Radio – Battery, solar or hand crank
Feeling safe starts with knowing what’s going on—so tune into the radio. Check 740 AM for live updates—and your favorite radio station to pass the time. Check out the NOAA weather radios too.
Cash
If the power is out, ATMs and credit cards may not work and cash becomes important. Protect your purchasing power by stashing small bills.
Sleeping bags or blankets
Keeping warm is crucial. Blankets and sleeping bags will help you stay snug, even when the fog rolls in, the power goes out or aftershocks have you sleeping outside.
Cell phone charger & battery bank
A cell phone charger that plugs into your car, will help you stay informed. A battery bank can do the same and charge other electronics.
Tools
A basic toolkit with items like a wrench, hammer and duct tape will help you turn off the gas, repair broken windows, or board up your home. Add some work gloves too!
Medications
Plan for your personal health. Keep an extra 3-day dose of any medicine you take on a regular basis, in case the pharmacy is closed. Put a list of all meds in your Stay Box.
Infant and toddlers
Plan for the needs of infants and toddlers, including diapers, wipes, and extra trash bags. Allow for extra water if you need to make formula.
Personal hygiene and sanitation supplies
Toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer, a toothbrush, soap, handwipes, and cleaners are a good place to start.
Bucket & Trash bags
Trash bags will be needed for a temporary toilet (along with a bucket), soiled diapers, and picking up after your pets. Don’t forget some twist ties!
Toys and games
What unique items would make your family feel better in an emergency? Favorite games? Special toys? Little things can make a big difference to kids and adults alike.
Pet Items
Don’t forget to store pet food, prescriptions, toys, extra cat litter and water for your pets. They depend on you to prepare.
Assemble a Stay Box
The Stay Box contains the items you and your family need to survive for 5-7 days.
We call it a Stay Box, but the important thing is to get your supplies together in a designated area. One exception is that while it is important to have a fire extinguisher, it’s best kept in the kitchen.
Remember, you don’t have to do this all at once. Buy a little extra canned food and water when you go to the store until your stash is sufficient. If you own a flashlight, check the batteries. Don’t forget your pets because they need supplies too!
The more you prepare now, the more comfortable you’ll be after a disaster.
Download the Gather Emergency Supplies checklist English Spanish Vietnamese
Maintain your food stash
Remember to update your kit as your family’s needs change. After assembling your food supplies, come up with a plan to store safely:
Pack your Go Bag ahead of time
Some of the supplies needed to shelter in place are also needed if you have to evacuate.
A Go Bag is a backpack, or a zippered tote large enough to store your essential items that you can grab on your way out the door. This may include medications, extra clothes, diapers, cash in small bills and your copy of Make a Plan [ English Spanish Vietnamese ].
Remember, everyone in your household should have their own Go Bag, including your pets.
But wait! Everything you want to take with you won’t fit in a backpack!
The Last Minute List contains those irreplaceable items that you will collect before you evacuate — if time allows. This might be your grandmother’s necklace, family photos or your child’s drawings.
To help you prioritize, a great exercise is to think about the 10 items you would take if you had just 10 minutes to evacuate. We have a Last Minute List included in the Gather Emergency Supplies Checklist.
Download the Gather Emergency Supplies checklist [ English Spanish Vietnamese ]
Resources
For people with access and functional needs, preparedness is critical. Powered & Prepared is a dedicated program from Marin Center for Independent Living to ensure their safety in the event of emergencies.
Learn more at MarinCIL.org.
