September is National Preparedness Month: build a kit

September is National Preparedness Month: build a kit

Published on September 08, 2026

An emergency supply kit should reflect the people and animals who depend on it. This week of National Preparedness Month, gather essential supplies and consider your household's medications, mobility needs, pets, communication equipment and potential power needs.

Emergency supplies can help your household remain safe when utilities, transportation, stores, and other services are disrupted. Although preassembled kits are available, the most useful kit is one designed around your household's specific needs.

Begin with basic supplies such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, sanitation items and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Then add the personal items that household members rely on every day.

Consider including:

• Water and nonperishable food
• Prescription medications and copies of prescriptions
• Flashlights, batteries and portable lanterns
• Phone chargers and portable power banks
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First-aid and sanitation supplies
• Face coverings and work gloves
• Copies of identification and important documents
• Cash in small bills
• Clothing, sturdy shoes and weather protection
• Infant, older-adult, or caregiver supplies
• Mobility, communication or medical equipment
• Food, water, medication, carriers and leashes for pets
• Comfort items for children and household members

Keep supplies in containers that are easy to locate and move. In addition to a larger household kit, consider keeping smaller kits in vehicles and workplaces. A "go bag" containing essential items can be useful if you need to evacuate quickly.

Plan for power outages as part of your kit. Fully charged portable power banks can help maintain communication, but generators, camp stoves, grills and other fuel-burning equipment must never be used inside a home, garage or enclosed area. People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment should speak with their healthcare and utility providers about backup-power planning before an outage occurs.

Building a kit does not have to be expensive or completed in a single shopping trip. Start with items already in your home, add one or two supplies during regular shopping trips, and replace food, water, batteries, and medications before they expire.

This week, place a flashlight, portable phone charger, water, and copies of important contact information in one easy-to-find location. Then add supplies based on the needs of your household.

Learn more from menlopark.gov/prepared and ready.gov.

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