Kit math
How much does your household need?
Tell us who is in the house. We work out the water, food and medicine, and list the basic kit from Ready.gov and the American Red Cross. Nothing you type here is saved.
2 people, 14 days
- Water
- 28 gal
- Food
- 28 person-days
- Medicines
- 7 days
about 234 lb
non-perishable
each person who takes them
| Item | How much |
|---|---|
| Water | 28 gallons (1 gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation) |
| Non-perishable food | 28 person-days (2 × 14 days) |
| Medicines (7-day supply) and copies of prescriptions | 7 days for each person who takes medicine |
| Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert | |
| Flashlight | |
| First aid kit | |
| Extra batteries | |
| Whistle (to signal for help) | |
| Dust mask | 2 (one per person) |
| Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape | |
| Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties | |
| Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) | |
| Manual can opener | |
| Local maps | |
| Cell phone chargers and a backup battery | |
| Copies of personal documents | |
| Cash |
Sources: Ready.gov, Build a Kit and Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation); American Red Cross, Be Red Cross Ready (3-day supply to evacuate, 2-week supply at home, 7-day supply of medicines). A gallon of water weighs about 8.34 lb. Checked 10 October 2026. Infants, nursing mothers, sick people and hot weather need more water.
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