Emergency Kit Builder
Answer 4 questions. Get a personalized shopping list — matched to your household, budget, risk region, and special needs. Every product is independently selected and verified.
What This Tool Does
The Emergency Kit Builder creates a personalized preparedness shopping list tailored to your household. Instead of guessing what you need or following a generic checklist, you answer four questions about your family size, budget, geographic risks, and special requirements — then the tool generates a prioritized list of supplies with product recommendations. Every item is independently selected and verified by our editorial team.
Who It's For
Anyone building an emergency kit for the first time, refreshing an expired one, or preparing for region-specific threats like hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, or winter storms. It's especially useful for families with children, elderly members, or pets — the tool adjusts recommendations based on your household composition. Whether you're in a suburban house or a city apartment, the output is sized to your space and budget.
What to Do With Your Results
Your personalized kit list can be printed or saved. Use it as a shopping checklist — items link directly to verified products. Start with the essentials tier (water, food, first aid, light) and add specialized items as your budget allows. Store your completed kit in an accessible location and review it every six months. Pair this with our Family Emergency Plan Builder for a complete preparedness package.
How much does a basic emergency kit cost?
A solid 72-hour kit for two people runs $75–$150. The tool lets you set a budget range so recommendations stay realistic. You can build gradually over several weeks rather than buying everything at once.
What about pets?
The tool includes a pet option that adds pet-specific supplies: food, water, carriers, leashes, medication, and vaccination records to your list. FEMA recommends preparing for pets the same way you prepare for humans.
How often should I refresh my emergency kit?
Every six months. Check expiration dates on food, water, batteries, and medications. Replace anything expired and adjust for seasonal changes — swap heavy blankets for cooling towels in summer, for example.
Should I keep a kit in my car too?
Yes. A smaller vehicle kit with water, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a blanket covers most roadside and evacuation scenarios. The tool can generate a separate car kit list if you select that option.
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This determines quantities, calorie counts, and water storage needed.
We'll prioritize the highest-impact items first and fill in the rest as your budget allows. You don't have to buy everything at once.
Different regions need different gear. Select the scenario most likely in your area — or General if you're unsure.
Select all that apply. These affect which products we prioritize. You can skip if none apply.