30-Day Emergency Kit Checklist
Your printable, step-by-step checklist for building a complete 30-day emergency kit.
Build a practical 30-day emergency kit with clear, printable checklists for water, food, cooking, power, medical needs, communication, and household-specific supplies.
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How to Use This Checklist
This checklist is designed to help you build a practical 30-day household emergency kit. You do not need to buy everything at once. Start with what you already have, then build category by category.
Build Over Time: You do not need to complete this checklist in one trip. Work through it in stages and focus on the items your household would rely on most.
Ground Rules
- Read through the checklist before you begin
- Identify what you already have
- Prioritize the items your household would use most
- Customize quantities for your household size
- Store supplies in an organized, accessible location
- Label items with purchase or expiration dates
- Share the plan and storage location with household members
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☐ Step 1:
Water
Water is foundational
Water is the most important part of a 30-day kit. Plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation. For two adults, that means a minimum of 60 gallons. Start with what you can store, then build from there.
Storage & Volume
- 1 gallon per person per day (30 gallons per person total)
- Stackable BPA-free water storage containers (5–7 gallon stackable jugs recommended)
- Commercially sealed water bottles as a supplemental supply
- Collapsible water containers or bottles for daily transport and use
- Additional water for pets based on size and daily needs
- Cool, dark storage area away from direct sunlight
Purification & Backup
- Water purification tablets, enough for 30 days
- Portable water filter or purifier
- Unscented household chlorine bleach for emergency water disinfection only according to label or official guidance
- Rotate stored water every 6 months
- Water transport containers for carrying or hauling
Storage Reality Check: A full 30-day water supply takes space. If you cannot store the full amount right away, start with a smaller supply and add reliable filtration and purification options.
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☐ Step 2:
Food
FOOD SHOULD BE SIMPLE
Choose shelf-stable foods that can support your household for 30 days. Focus on foods your household already uses, plus a mix of ready-to-eat meals, canned staples, and simple comfort items.
Staples
- Rice, oats, or pasta
- Dried beans or lentils
- Flour or basic baking staples
- Salt, sugar, and cooking oil
- Shelf-stable basics your household already uses
Ready-to-Eat & Canned Foods
- Canned proteins such as tuna, chicken, or beans
- Canned vegetables, soups, or stews
- Ready-to-eat meals or ration bars
- Shelf-stable meals that need little or no preparation
- Manual can opener
Snacks & Comfort Foods
- Peanut butter or nut butter
- Granola bars, trail mix, or crackers
- Dried fruit
- Coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
- Familiar comfort foods your household actually eats
Household Needs
- Disposable plates, cups, and utensils
- Napkins or paper towels
- Pet food for 30 days if needed
- Infant formula or baby food for 30 days if needed
- Marker or labels for dating supplies
Rotation Reminder: Use and replace stored food regularly. Build your kit around foods your household will actually eat, and replace expired items as needed.
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☐ Step 3:
Cooking, Power & Lighting
POWER SUPPORTS DAILY LIFE
Over 30 days, backup cooking, reliable light, and simple charging tools become part of daily household function. Choose practical gear your household can use safely and store easily.
Cooking & Fuel Basics
- Backup cooking method such as a camp stove or butane stove
- Fuel supply based on expected use
- Waterproof matches or lighter
- Basic cooking pot or pan
- Heat-resistant gloves or pot grippers
Lighting & Power
- LED flashlights
- Lantern for area lighting
- Headlamp for hands-free tasks
- Extra batteries for key devices
- Power banks kept charged
- Charging cables for household devices
- Solar or hand-crank charger
- Glow sticks or lightsticks for backup light
Safety Reminder: Test your cooking and lighting gear before storing it, and use fuel-burning equipment only as directed.
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☐ Step 4:
Medical, First Aid & Hygiene
HEALTH COMES FIRST
Over 30 days, medications, first aid supplies, and hygiene items become essential to daily health and stability. Build this section around your household’s real medical needs, routines, and refill requirements.
First Aid
- First aid kit with bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and tape
- Elastic bandages or wrap
- Digital thermometer
- Disposable gloves
- CPR face shield or mask
Medications
- 30-day supply of prescription medications
- Copies of prescriptions and pharmacy contact information
- Pain relievers
- Allergy medication
- Antacids, anti-diarrheal medication, or other routine over-the-counter needs
Hygiene & Sanitation
- Soap or body wash
- Hand sanitizer
- Sanitation wipes or disinfecting wipes
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and basic dental supplies
Household Cleaning
- Household cleaner or disinfectant
- Trash bags
- Paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products if needed
- Diapers, wipes, or other household-specific supplies if needed
Medical Reminder: Refill prescription medications before they run low, and keep important medical information with your kit.
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☐ Step 5:
Shelter, Warmth & Protection
SHELTER SUPPORTS SAFETY
For a 30-day kit, focus on staying warm, dry, and functional at home during an extended disruption. Prioritize layered warmth, weather protection, and basic safety supplies.
Warmth & Protection
- Emergency blankets or thermal blankets
- Sleeping bag or warm bedding for your climate
- Insulating ground pad or foam sleeping mat
- Seasonal clothing layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Extra warm socks
- Rain poncho or rain gear
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots
Home Function & Repair
- Duct tape
- Tarp or heavy plastic sheeting
- Work gloves
- Basic tool kit
- Heavy-duty garbage bags
- Home fire extinguisher
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries if needed
- Emergency whistle
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☐ Step 6:
Communication & Records
STAY INFORMED
During an extended disruption, reliable communication and printed records become more important. Keep critical information in a format your household can access without relying entirely on phones or internet service.
Communication Checklist
- Weather radio with battery or hand-crank backup
- Extra batteries for the radio
- Power bank kept charged
- Charging cables for key devices
- Solar or hand-crank charger
- Pen and notepad
Documents & Records
- Written emergency contact list
- Copies of IDs or other key identification documents
- Copies of insurance cards or policies
- Copies of medical records, prescriptions, or pharmacy information
- Printed household emergency plan with meeting points
- Local map or printed directions
- Documents stored in a waterproof bag, folder, or container
Cash Backup
- Cash in small bills
- Small amount of coins
- Cash stored securely in a waterproof bag or container
Records Reminder: Printed contacts, local directions, and key documents are often more useful in an outage than information stored only on a phone.
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☐ Step 7:
Customize for Your Household
MAKE IT FIT YOUR HOUSEHOLD
A 30-day kit works best when it matches your household’s real medical needs, routines, responsibilities, and living situation. Use this section to add the supplies that make your kit more usable and more realistic for the people in your care.
Medical Needs
- 30-day supply of prescription medications
- Copies of prescriptions and pharmacy information
- Spare glasses, contacts, or lens solution
- Medical devices and required supplies
- Important medical information card
Infants & Young Children
- Formula, baby food, bottles, or feeding supplies for 30 days
- Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream
- Comfort items such as stuffed animal or familiar blanket
- Age-appropriate books, games, or quiet activities
- Children’s basic OTC items your household normally uses
Elderly Household Members
- Mobility aids or assistive devices
- Extra warm clothing and blankets
- Hearing aid batteries or other device supplies
- Denture care supplies if needed
- Comfort items and familiar routine support
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☐ Step 7 (continued):
Customize for Your Household
MAKE IT FIT YOUR HOUSEHOLD
Pets
- Pet food and water for 30 days
- Leash, collar, carrier, or crate
- Vaccination records and ID tags
- Waste bags and pet medications
- Familiar comfort items for pets
Apartment & Small-Space Living
- Compact storage bins or stackable containers
- Priority supplies that fit limited space
- Backup lighting and charging gear sized for small spaces
- Printed emergency plan and evacuation routes
- Supplies organized for quick access
Morale & Comfort
- Books, cards, or small games
- Favorite shelf-stable snacks
- Journal or notebook
- Personal keepsakes or family photos
- Simple comfort or activity items
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Complete 30-Day Kit Overview
QUICK REVIEW
Use this summary page as a quick review of your 30-day kit. Each category should be stocked, tested, and ready to use.
Water & Hydration
- 1 gallon per person per day
- Stored water, transport containers, and purification backup
- Additional water for pets if needed
Food & Nutrition
- 30-day food supply your household will actually eat
- Mix of staples, canned foods, and ready-to-eat meals
- Manual can opener and basic disposable meal supplies
Cooking, Power & Light
- Backup cooking method and fuel
- Flashlights, lanterns, and extra batteries
- Power banks, charging cables, and backup charging
Medical, First Aid & Hygiene
- First aid kit and thermometer
- 30-day supply of medications
- Soap, toilet paper, dental, and hygiene supplies
Shelter, Warmth & Protection
- Warm bedding, layered clothing, and rain protection
- Duct tape, tarp, and basic repair supplies
- Fire extinguisher, detector batteries, and whistle
Communication & Records
- Weather radio and backup power
- Printed contacts, records, IDs, and directions
- Backup cash in small bills
A 30-day kit is only as strong as its weakest category. If one area is incomplete, prioritize that next.
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Maintenance Schedule
REVIEW IT REGULARLY
A 30-day kit only works if it stays current, accessible, and ready to use. Review it regularly so food, water, medications, batteries, and household-specific supplies stay usable and complete.
Monthly
Quick visual check, location check, obvious damage or leaks
Quarterly
Test lights, radios, and power banks; rotate commonly used supplies
Bi-Annual
Update records, check water, and review household-specific needs
Annual
Full review, replace expired items, and walk through the plan
Monthly Checklist
- Check for obvious damage, leaks, or expired items
- Rotate commonly used food items
- Confirm the kit is still easy to access
Quarterly Checklist
- Test lights, radios, and power banks; rotate commonly used supplies
- Check OTC medication dates and replace as needed
- Refill hygiene or sanitation supplies used from the kit
- Review prescription quantities and refill timing
Bi-Annual Checklist
- Check stored water and rotate if needed
- Update emergency contacts and key records
- Refresh copies of important documents
- Review household-specific needs such as infant, pet, or medical items
Annual Checklist
- Do a full inventory of the entire kit
- Replace expired or damaged supplies
- Review and update the household emergency plan
- Walk household members through the kit and plan
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Make the Kit Fit Your Household
HOUSEHOLD CUSTOMIZATION
This checklist is a foundation, not a one-size-fits-all plan. Adjust your 30-day kit for your household size, medical needs, pets, diet, climate, and local risks.
Focus on what your household would actually use during an extended disruption. Update quantities, rotate supplies, and keep important items easy to access.
Use trusted local guidance when needed, especially for weather, medical issues, evacuation planning, and regional risks.
A well-maintained kit is more useful than a perfect one. Review it regularly, keep it practical, and build from what your household already needs.
For additional guidance, use trusted sources such as Ready.gov, your local emergency management office, and healthcare professionals when appropriate.
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