Build an Emergency Kit

One of the easiest things to do to prepare for an emergency is to assemble an emergency kit ahead of time.  A typical kit should contain enough food, water, and other important supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers excellent guidance on building a kit and coping with an emergency that may disrupt services such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and telephone.

FEMA’s Build a Kit site

If you would like assistance building a kit for your home, office, and car or you have any questions, contact us at em-staff@mit.edu.

Typical Kit Contents

When you’re ready to build your personal preparedness kit, here are some essential items to include:

  • Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
  • Food – at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • 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)
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Cash to last for all members of your family for several days for gas, food, and supplies
  • Printouts of the MIT campus map, City of Cambridge map, and a map of the area where you live.
  • Copies of important personal documents (ex: driver’s license, passport, insurance policies, etc.) stored in a waterproof, portable container