How to Build an Emergency Kit: A Minimalist’s Guide

A complete emergency prep checklist for peace of mind

We live in between a major supermarket and a hospital, so for years I’ve been flip about making an emergency kit. But, after the past few months of national disasters including the devastating fires in Los Angeles, Jordan and I agreed that it was time to get serious.

Having been through many sizable earthquakes and nearby wildfires, I know that in times of crisis you have to think and act quickly - having an emergency plan, and supplies prepped and in place, is like giving a gift to your future self.

Here’s how we’re prepping in our home (with the caveat that I’m a minimalist and we have very limited storage space for supplies). If it feels overwhelming just pick a few things to invest in. Something is always better than nothing.

Emergency Supplies Checklist

Water (3-Day Supply Minimum)

• Plan for 1 gallon per person, per day, including pets.

• To avoid frequent water rotation, consider 5-year shelf-stable water and you’ll be set for years.

Food (3-Day Supply Minimum)

• Focus on non-perishable, ready-to-eat options like:

  • Energy bars

  • Peanut butter and crackers

  • Trail mix

  • Pet food or baby formula (if applicable)

• Avoid canned goods that could leak or freeze-dried meals that kids might reject.

First Aid and Medications

Include:

• Prescription medications (a 7-day backup supply, if possible)

• Over-the-counter essentials like ibuprofen and antihistamines

• A basic first aid kit (I ordered this family first aid kit in retro green!)

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses and solution

• Sunscreen and toilet paper

Emergency Communication Tools

• A hand-crank radio with solar and USB charging capabilities. We chose this highly rated model that doubles as a flashlight and phone charger and makes me feel like a real responsible adult.

• Consider a landline phone for reliable 911 access. I love this big button phone designed for seniors.

Very Basic Tools

• A toolkit should include:

  • Adjustable wrench (to turn off gas lines)

  • Duct tape

  • Heavy-duty garbage bags

  • A tarp

  • Leather work gloves

  • A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife

Lighting and Power

• Flashlights with extra batteries

• Headlamps for hands-free use

• A portable solar charger for devices

Important Documents, ID, and Cash

• Store copies of:

  • Passports, Social Security cards, birth certificates

  • Car titles, insurance policies, medical records

  • Keys to safe or safe deposit box

  • Keep these in a fireproof bag or lock box for security

• Cash

  • Include small bills and coins for emergencies

Irreplaceable Keepsakes

• Pre-select irreplaceable items like:

  • Photos

  • Letters

  • Small heirlooms

  • Jewelry

• Store them in a grab-and-go box or fireproof bag.

Here’s the thing: If you’re in the midst of evacuation you will not have time to sort through the dusty bins in your basement. Consider curating your most precious letters, photos, and memorabilia into a single grab and go box. If you have art or precious heirlooms that are large in scale, jot them down and tape your checklist to your go-bag or fireproof bag or box so you will remember to grab them if you have time / space during an evacuation. I put a handful of very special letters and photos in my fireproof bag which gives me great peace of mind.

Personal Hygiene

• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and deodorant

• Wet wipes or baby wipes

• Diapers (if needed)

• Small towels

• Feminine products

A Go-Bag

For emergencies requiring quick evacuation, keep a compact go-bag ready. Include essentials like a few days' worth of clothing (including socks, undergarments, and a jacket), comfortable shoes, basic toiletries, a phone charger, medications, snacks, a reusable water bottle, and a small first aid kit. Don’t forget copies of important documents, like IDs and insurance cards, stored securely. Keep it light, simple, and near your door or in your car for easy access.

A Place to Store It All

You can store all of your supplies in a secure, waterproof chest. If you’re storing your kit outside, make sure to put a lock on it to protect it from theft. Extra credit: organize your supplies in grab and go labeled totes to make it easy to load up in the event of an evacuation.

Emergency Evacuation Checklist

When evacuating, remember the "Six P’s":

1. People and Pets (plus food and supplies)

2. Papers (important documents)

3. Prescriptions (medications, eyeglasses)

4. Photos (irreplaceable keepsakes)

5. Personal Computers (hard drives, devices)

6. Plastic (credit cards and cash)

Additional Steps for Preparedness

• Emergency Plan:

  • Organize a list of emergency contact numbers, including a designated out-of-area contact

  • Identify a meeting spot that all family members know to meet at if your home becomes unsafe

  • Review the plan with all household members

  • Practice evacuation drills annually

• Vehicle Preparedness:

  • Keep a car kit with water, snacks, blankets, and a phone charger

  • Maintain at least half a tank of gas at all times

• Pet Prep:

  • Pack extra leashes, carriers, and identification tags

• Mental Health Supplies:

  • Comfort items for kids, like small toys or stuffed animals

  • Stress-relief tools like coloring books or journals for downtime

• Backup Power:

  • Consider a portable generator or power bank for prolonged outages

Honestly, this whole thing makes me a bit dizzy—figuring out how many gallons of water to buy and which flashlight is the best is not my idea of a fun afternoon. But here’s the thing: prepping isn’t about creating some doomsday bunker; it’s about taking a few practical steps so future-you doesn’t totally panic if and when things go sideways. You don’t have to do it all in one day—start small, check things off the list, and know you’re doing something important to protect yourself and the people you love.

Share This Post

Emergency preparedness is vital for everyone. Please forward this checklist to friends, family, or neighbors and comment below if there’s anything I’ve missed!

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