Build an emergency kit for an older adult
Older adults often need medicines, medical supplies and documents on hand when an emergency hits. Tell us who lives with you and get Ready.gov’s kit list with medical needs included.
Read the guide: Emergency preparedness for older adults: how to make a plan and a kit →
1. Your household
2. How long to plan for
3. What you face where you live
Water: 1 gallon per person per day (CDC). Food: FDA uses 2,000 calories a day as a general guide for adults. Pets need water too: ask your vet how much.
The basic kit
Ready.gov's basic supplies list.
- Water6 gallons for 2 people over 3 daysOur pick: WaterBrick 3.5-gal (4-pack) ↗Compare water storage containers →
- Non-perishable food3 days for 2 people (about 12,000 calories for the adults)Our pick: Emergency Essentials 1-Month Kit ↗Compare emergency food supply kits →
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alertOur pick: Midland WR400 ↗Compare weather radios →
- First aid kitOur pick: Swiss Safe 348 ↗Compare first aid kits →
- Extra batteriesOur pick: eneloop AA (8) ↗Compare rechargeable batteries →
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated airOur pick: 3M Aura 9205+ ↗Compare n95 masks for smoke →
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitationOur pick: Reliance Luggable Loo ↗Compare emergency toilets →
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup batteryOur pick: Anker 20,000mAh (built-in cable) ↗Compare power banks →
Additional supplies for your household
From Ready.gov's additional items, and its pages for pets and people with disabilities.
- Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account recordsOur pick: SentrySafe file box ↗Compare fireproof document safes →
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person2 neededOur pick: SOL Emergency Bivvy ↗Compare emergency blankets and sleeping bags →
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes2 needed
- Fire extinguisherOur pick: First Alert PRO5 ↗Compare fire extinguishers →
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- A list of all medications, dosage and any allergies
- A cooler and chemical ice packs to chill medicines that need to be refrigeratedOur pick: Coleman 70 qt ↗Compare coolers for power outages →
- A list of the style and serial number of your medical devices, and a backup supply of oxygen if you use itRead the guide →
- A backup power plan for powered medical equipment (ask your doctor and the device maker how long it must run)Our pick: Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 ↗Compare portable power stations →Read the guide →
For power outages
From Ready.gov and CDC.
- Carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your homeOur pick: Kidde 10-year digital CO alarm ↗Compare carbon monoxide alarms →
- A cooler and frozen gel packs, in case you have to move food out of the refrigeratorOur pick: Coleman 70 qt ↗Compare coolers for power outages →
Gear to consider for your hazards
Not part of the official lists: our comparisons, if you want them.
Get what's left
Tick off what you already have. Our Amazon picks for the 15 gear items still on your list can go into one Amazon cart, where you see the prices and can remove anything.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It never changes which product we pick.
A reminder to check your kit
Seasonal checklists and a nudge to swap out stored water and expired food. No spam.
Common questions
What should be in an emergency kit for older adults?
Ready.gov's list for older adults includes water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a first aid kit, extra batteries, a whistle, medicine and medical supplies, copies of Medicare, Medicaid and insurance policies, and a list of medications and doctors' phone numbers. Add assistive devices such as hearing aids and mobility aids, with spare batteries, if you use them.
How much medicine should I keep on hand?
The Red Cross says to keep at least 30 days of medications, while Ready.gov's kit list says a few days' worth if possible. Ready.gov also suggests asking your doctor or pharmacist how to create an emergency supply of medicines.
How much water does the kit builder plan for?
One gallon per person per day, the figure CDC and Ready.gov use, for drinking and sanitation. Children, nursing mothers and people who are sick may need more, and so may anyone in a hot climate. Pets need water too: ask your vet how much.
How many days should my kit cover?
The American Red Cross suggests a 3-day supply for evacuation and a 2-week supply for home. Ready.gov's list says several days. Pick 3 days for a go-bag and 2 weeks for supplies at home.
How much food is that?
Ready.gov asks for at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food. FDA uses 2,000 calories a day as a general guide, so the builder shows that total for the adults in your home. Children's needs vary with age.
Do I have to buy everything on the list?
No. Most homes already have much of it. Tick off what you have and the list shows only what is left. Our picks are there if you want a starting point, and every comparison page says who shouldn't buy.