Best home emergency kit supplies

A portable power station

A portable power station gives you access to on-demand power when the grid fails. Plug in a lamp, run a fan, recharge phones, flashlights, or use it to power small medical devices. Business Insider's top portable power station pick is the versatile Jackery Explorer 1000 v2, which brings 1,070Wh of battery capacity and USB-C, USB-A, and standard AC ports. You can even use it to power up the coffee maker or stay warm with a portable heater, but note that these high-energy-drawing devices should only be used in short bursts, as they can drain the battery quickly. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 also has a built-in LED light with low, high, and flashing SOS modes.

A hand-crank/solar-powered NOAA radio and charging device

The heavy-duty Midlander ER310 is Business Insider's top pick for an emergency radio that allows you to keep up-to-date on local weather alerts and warnings. It comes with four ways to keep powered up, including USB recharging, AA batteries, hand crank, and solar charging. Onboard, there's a bright flashlight with an SOS mode and an ultrasonic dog whistle. It's also durable, remaining unharmed when dropped in our testing.

A rechargeable flashlight

A flashlight is an essential item in an emergency kit. The ThruNite Archer 2A C can reach up to 1,000 lumens despite only being six inches long and weighing under a quarter of a pound. Set to a medium brightness of 213 lumens, the ThruNite will last about 5.5 hours and is rechargeable via the USB-C port. If the charge runs out, you can pop two AA batteries in instead. It's a durable flashlight that can handle drops and immersion in about six feet of water, and it has a pocket clip that makes it easier to keep track of. The ThruNite Archer 2A C has five lighting modes: high, medium, low, firefly, and strobe.

A first-aid kit

When it comes to emergency preparedness essentials, a first-aid kit is one of the most important. The Surviveware Comprehensive Premium Survival First Aid Kit is Business Insider's top pick amongfirst-aid kits, with nearly 100 items. Neatly organized into sections, the first-aid kit included a CPR kit, various bandages, skin cleaning wipes, gloves, and medical-grade trauma shears. All of this comes in a water-resistant pouch that weighs just one pound.

For something smaller and cheaper, we also like the Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact First Aid Kit.

A set of weather-resistant blankets

Made by the same brand as our top best roadside emergency car kit pick, these Mylar thermal blankets are designed to retain up to 90% of body heat and are waterproof, windproof, and moisture-proof. They can also be converted into emergency shelter tents if need be. Swiss Safe emergency blankets are also extremely lightweight and perfect for your mobile emergency kit.

A portable water filter

If you run out of clean water or find yourself without it, LifeStraw uses a microfiltration membrane to remove 99.9% of waterborne bacteria, parasites, and microplastics (as small as 1 micron). With proper use and maintenance, a LifeStraw can filter through 1,000 gallons of water.

A multi-tool army knife

The Leatherman Skeletool multi-tool is a well-deserved addition to your home emergency supplies. It's lightweight, weighing only five ounces while packing in seven tools, including a 2.6-inch knife blade and a full-size screwdriver. The carabiner clips make this model especially convenient to keep on hand.

A pack of waterproof matches

It's always a good idea to carry waterproof matches with you in case you need to start a fire in a damp area. This package contains 160 matches (four packs of 40 matches).

Though they're great for use in the rain or humid conditions, some users have had trouble getting them to light if submerged in water. Consider storing them in a waterproof container for extra peace of mind.

A camping stove for boiling water and cooking food

A simple stove with fuel will enable you to boil water to prepare emergency food. The Coleman Classic 1-Burner Butane Stove is easy to ignite and adjust for better temperature control. The porcelain grate is simple to remove and clean, accommodating pans up to 10 inches in diameter. Remember to keep a butane canister on hand, as well as a simple pot.

A portable charger

If a full-size power station isn't in the budget, the compact design of the Anker Nano Power Bank, with its included retractable USB-C cable, is a useful way to keep phones and other small devices charged. A Business Insider favorite, the Anker Nano Power Bank recharged contributor Tyler Hayes iPhone 17 Pro twice with its 10K capacity. Since it only weighs half a pound, it's easy to take should you need to leave home.

A two-way radio

To keep communication channels open without relying on phones, the DeWalt DXFRS800 FRS walkie-talkies can last for up to 18 hours on a single charge. The IP67 weatherproof rating means they'll work in wet conditions, and the exterior grip means they're less likely to slip out of your hand. The walkie-talkies recharge via USB-C or the included desktop charger dock.

A supply of batteries

Energizer batteries are among the longest-lasting alkaline batteries on the market. They have a shelf life of 10 years and are leak-resistant for up to two years after being fully used. You can add these to your at-home survival kit and be confident they'll be ready should an emergency strike.

A roll of heavy-duty duct tape

This double-thick adhesive tape is heavy-duty enough to stick to rough, uneven surfaces yet flexible enough to be ripped by hand. Gorilla Tape is weather-resistant and can withstand moisture, UV rays, and extreme temperatures.

A solar panel for unlimited power

The compact Jackery SolarSaga 40W Air will allow you to recharge phones, headphones, and e-readers as long as you have access to the sun. Unlike most solar panels that wouldn't fit in an emergency preparedness kit, the SolarSaga 40W folds down to about the size of a textbook and weighs under two pounds. It also has a wide temperature range, remaining operational in temperatures as low as -4 all the way up to 149 degrees Fahrenheit.

Solar-powered string lights

If you'll be sheltering in place for any period of time, getting the space illuminated can make the situation feel less frightening. The BioLite solar string lights can run for up to 25 hours before needing to recharge either via the USB-C port or onboard solar panel. The string lights have seven color modes, including a standard white. The bulbs themselves are shatterproof, so you won't need to worry about them breaking in the emergency kit.

A package of N95 respirator masks

This respirator protects you from breathing in non-oil-based particles like fiberglass and sanding debris. A valve attached to the front of the mask allows for easy breathing and reduces heat and moisture. A simple mask like this could help protect your respiratory system if you're surrounded by significant debris.

An emergency food kit

It's always a good idea to keep non-perishables, like canned food that doesn't require cooking, in your kit. TheAmerican Red Crosssuggests storing a three-day supply for evacuation and a two-week supply for home use for each member of your group.

This ready-to-eat food option is designed for emergencies with a 30-year shelf life. The Mountain House 14-Day Emergency Food Supply Kit contains 84 servings (42 meals) of dried food that you just add water to. You can eat lasagna with beef sauce, chicken fettuccine Alfredo, breakfast skillets, and more directly from the package in under 10 minutes. The brand recommends 3.5 gallons of water for preparation.

A can opener

To accompany your non-perishable foods, the OXO can opener locks onto cans of all sizes with its stainless steel skip-proof feed wheel. It's simple and doesn't require electricity, so it's ideal for emergencies.

If you're looking for something even more compact for on-the-go can opening, check out the P-38 and P-51 Can Openers. They're a bit more difficult to use, but they fit on a keyring and can be used as a cutting blade or even a screwdriver in a pinch.

A complete bug-out bag for natural disasters

If you'd rather just buy a complete emergency kit and be done with it, the best we've tested is The Complete Earthquake Bag. It's an essential survival kit that can serve up to four people during a hurricane, flood, earthquake, or other natural disaster.

It's housed in a wheeled duffel bag for portability and contains comprehensive emergency supplies, including water purification equipment, a 107-piece first-aid kit, food bars, hygiene supplies, and a multi-function hand-crank flashlight that doubles as a radio and a phone charger.

A budget survival bag

For something ready-made under $50, we recommend this one from Ready America. This emergency kit has notable omissions: no cutting tools, fire-starting equipment, or flashlight (only light sticks). Rather, the kit focuses on nutrition, protection from the elements, and hydration.

It supplies water and food rations for sustenance, a first aid kit for basic medical needs, and ponchos and emergency blankets for shelter. It sustains two adults for three days.

Home Emergency Preparedness Kit FAQs

How much food and water should I keep in an emergency kit?

The American Red Cross recommends that you keep non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items and one gallon of water per person per day for three days in the case of an evacuation or a two-week supply for home. Be sure to have extra water on hand if you have pets.

What's the difference between an emergency kit and a go bag?

An emergency kit is a comprehensive collection of items to help during disasters, kept in a bin or container. Contents can overlap, but a go-bag is a portable disaster supply kit you can grab if you need to evacuate quickly. See our recommendations about what to store in a go-bag.

How often should I replace or refresh emergency supplies?

Most of the items on our emergency kit checklist should last for years, but it's smart to check on all items every six months. Ensure batteries are fully charged, and pay special attention to first-aid kit items, as creams and gels can expire.

Are pre-made emergency kits worth buying?

Any emergency kit is better than no emergency kit. If it's easiest for you to purchase a pre-made kit, rest assured, it includes plenty of essential items. However, crafting your own lets you tailor it to your own needs.

How should I customize an emergency kit for hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or winter storms?

Consider the types of emergencies your home could face when making your kit. If your area tends to experience cold weather, pack extra clothing, a hat, and sturdy shoes, according to the American Red Cross. Blankets and sleeping bags can also be useful. Tools and supplies for securing your home could become critical in hurricanes, and safety items like safety helmets can be ideal if your area is prone to earthquakes. Check the American Red Cross map to determine which natural disasters the organization recommends making preparations for.