Expect the unexpected: Best emergency preparedness kits to stay ready for any disaster

Not to be a Debbie Downer, but you never think about emergency preparedness kits until you actually need one.

With the current heat wave frying the nation and climate change predicted to revamp the seasons as we know them, it would be…less than smart not to anticipate more natural disasters. We’ve seen wildfires in Los Angeles and NYC snowstorms that required prepping, but if the current temperatures in New York City are an indicator, it might not hurt to have a portable generator or emergency food on hand.

Emergency management is projected to climb tremendously over the next few years, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that all Americans should follow a 12-step guide to preparing for emergencies, including practicing emergency drills, safeguarding important documents, and assembling a supply kit.

Unfortunately, the relatively simple process of putting together an emergency plan does not happen in many households. According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S. adults still do not have the resources and plans in place in the event of an emergency. The good news is that you can change that.

Items like Vital 72 Hour Emergency Survival Kit for Family and emergency food kits are easy to add to your cart. More importantly, they keep you prepared for worst-case scenarios.

If you’re still part of the half of Americans who have not prepared for an emergency, don’t fret. Post Wanted spoke with three survival specialists to understand the ins and outs of preparing for emergencies. Check out our in-depth FAQ with them below now or keep scrolling to see the best emergency preparedness kits that made our list.

Best Overall Emergency Kit: Ready America 4-Person 3-Day Basic Emergency Kit with Backpack

The Ready America Emergency Kit is for most Americans. It’s a vital safety net for West Coast residents facing seismic threats, offering the specialized tools and protective gear necessary for immediate earthquake survival and recovery. Although with the shifts we’re seeing on our planet, this could also be useful for East Coasters as well.

For those on the East Coast, the kit’s inclusion of Coast Guard-approved food and water helps ensure families remain self-sufficient during prolonged power outages and isolation often caused by severe Atlantic hurricanes.

Regardless of the region, this portable solution adheres to Red Cross standards, providing a professional-grade baseline of nutrition, first aid, and shelter for four people during the critical first 72 hours of any disaster.

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Best for Power Outages: Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300

Amazon

Although not a traditional emergency preparedness kit, we would be remiss not to recommend the Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 300. Since it gets its power from the sun, you won’t need to worry about keeping gasoline handy, plus it’s small enough to fit on a kitchen table or in your car. With a runtime of 5.5 hours, it offers up to 500 watts of power, has two AC outlets, and multiple charging ports for your phone, laptop, and all the other things you can’t be without — even during a natural disaster.

What customers are saying: “We tried a few portable batteries and this one is better than the others. The battery takes a shorter time to charge and has USB-C ports for charging. Easy to carry and works perfectly for our camping time.”

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Best Salt for Icy Surfaces: Snow Joe Premium Enviro Blend Ice Melt

This bestselling blend has a time-relaxed release that provides steady traction control for up to 24 hours, helping to manage the dangerous freeze-thaw cycle long after the initial application. You can purchase a 50-pound bag. Add to cart before the next storm blows in.

What customers are saying: “It performs better than rock salt and actually melts ice rather than act an aggregate like kitty litter. Even better, once down and the ice is gone, it somewhat ‘protects’ the sidewalk if more snow, sleet or ice follows.”

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Best Emergency Food Kit: Augason Farms AF 4-Person 72hr Emergency 4G Kit

Amazon

The Augason Farms 72-Hour 4-Person Emergency Food Storage Kit is a top choice for families or small groups looking for a reliable, nutritious and convenient food supply in the event of an emergency, namely an earthquake. Designed to provide enough food for four people for three full days, this kit includes a variety of freeze-dried meals that are easy to prepare and packed with essential calories and nutrients. With meals like scrambled eggs, oatmeal and pasta, the kit offers a comforting and diverse selection to sustain you during a crisis. This ensures that you’re not only nourished but also have a variety of options to avoid food fatigue in challenging situations.

The long shelf life is a huge plus surrounding this kit, with the food remaining good for up to 25 years if stored properly. This makes it an ideal investment for long-term preparedness, whether you’re preparing for natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes or even power outages. The food is sealed in durable, water-resistant pouches, ensuring that it remains safe and fresh over time. The simplicity of the meals, which only require water to prepare, means you can focus on your survival needs without the complexity of cooking or gathering resources during a crisis.

Given the high-quality, calorie-dense meals it provides, this kit is priced competitively compared to other emergency food kits on the market. It delivers significant peace of mind, knowing you have access to a balanced food supply in an emergency.

Customers are saying: “Best price that I found for the quantity, so I’m happy with [the] purchase (five stars!) It shipped and arrived fast. Durable bucket!”

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Best Emergency Kit for Home: First Aid Only 299-Piece All-Purpose Emergency First Aid Kit

Amazon

Even if you’re not big on outdoor adventurers, this emergency kit from first aid is great to have around the house, office or in your car. It includes aspirin, a gauze roll and pads, wound closures, BZK antiseptic towelettes, bandages and a myriad of other items for when accidents occur. Compact enough for a glove compartment, backpack or tote, more than 60,000 folks on Amazon give it five stars.

Customers are saying: “A nice med kit to have on hand for travel or a weekend camping trip. Easily expands with only a few items, if needed for specific medical coverage. I got this as a base kit for go-bags for family. I am not a hardcore prepper. But for an emergency kit, this fits the bill.”

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Best Hurricane Emergency Kit: Sirus Survival Vital 72-Hour Emergency Survival Kit

Walmart

For a more all-encompassing outdoor emergency kit, consider this 72-hour survival system.

Doubling as an emergency food kit, it includes 72 hours’ worth of food and water for two people and has basic tools and medical care. It also features an emergency weather radio, emergency shelters, fire starters, and pocket chainsaws.

Customers are saying: “I love how compact everything is. There’s still plenty of room to add my personal items to this backpack even with all of the items included!”

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Best Car Emergency Kit: Lifeline First Aid Emergency Roadside Kit- Hard Shell Bag- 35 Piece

LOWE'S

Great for drivers across the country, the Lifeline Roadside Emergency Kit serves as an on-the-go, dependable safeguard for everyone, from New York commuters navigating heavy traffic to California travelers facing unpredictable coastal storms.

This 35-piece collection is designed to handle common automotive issues, featuring essential 8-foot booster cables for dead batteries and a high-intensity LED flashlight for nighttime repairs.

If you are trekking across Florida in search of a better tomorrow or simply heading to the office, the durable hard-shell case keeps your tools, such as the 2-in-1 screwdriver, duct tape, and first-aid supplies, organized and ready to turn a stressful breakdown into a manageable delay.

Customers are saying: “This pack came with absolutely everything needed for a good go kit on a weekend or seasonal adventure.”

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Best Roadside Emergency Kit: COOGEO Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

Amazon

The COOGEO Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit is an essential tool for any driver, providing peace of mind and a reliable solution in the event of unexpected car troubles. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery or have become stuck in a remote location, this comprehensive kit is designed to offer you everything you need to handle a variety of emergencies. With high-quality, durable components like jumper cables, a tire inflator and a heavy-duty tow rope, the COOGEO kit ensures you’re prepared for almost any situation. Its thoughtful design and compact storage case make it easy to keep in your vehicle without taking up too much space, too.

One of the standout features of the COOGEO Emergency Kit is its all-in-one nature, which saves you the hassle of purchasing multiple items separately. In addition to basic tools, it also includes items like a first aid kit, warning triangle, reflective safety vest and flashlight, all aimed at improving your safety during roadside incidents. These added features ensure you’re visible to other drivers in low-light conditions and can address minor injuries while waiting for professional assistance. Not to mention, with everything in one place, you can avoid the stress of scrambling for the right equipment when time is of the essence.

It won’t break the bank, either. Its durability and extensive range of tools mean you’re investing in long-term security for yourself and your passengers. Given the unpredictable nature of driving, particularly on long trips or in rural areas, having the COOGEO kit in your car can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major headache.

Customers are saying: “Great kit to have in your car at all times! Literally a lifesaver. It is small and compact and very easy to use!”

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Best Emergency Kit for School: Adventure Medical Kits 32-Ounce Canteen and First Aid Kit

Amazon

Most regular water bottles cost more than this canteen filled with medical supplies.

If you’re not ready to invest in a full medical kit but still need some basics for your next hike, this is a great place to start. For under $25, this canteen medical kit includes a variety of bandages, antiseptic wipes, die-cut moleskin, and a wide array of medications to treat pain, inflammation, and allergies.

Customers are saying: “Great collection of go-to medical supplies to keep in my car. I especially like that it’s not just bandages and there are some medications for common issues as well. The water bottle is a great idea for a storage kit — it’s already come in handy. I did add some things for a more extensive “survival kit” but overall it’s a great starter kit.”

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Best Emergency Evacuation Kit: HIHEGD 250 Piece Survival Kit

Amazon

If you’re looking for an emergency preparedness kit to lead you into the wild, look no further. A great gift for dads, survivalists or simply those who live to be ready for anything, the kit comes in an easy-to-carry backpack style. Available in black, camo brown and camo black and grey, it’s almost unbelievable the amount of gear it holds.

Along with a first aid kit, there’s a foldable shovel, multifunctional axe, emergency tent and blanket, lantern, raincoat — the works! Regardless if it’s the apocalypse or you’ve simply lost your way, this will have your back till help comes.

Customers are saying: “Perfect preparedness essentials. Great conservative space for maximum use! I highly recommend it for hurricane, tornado, flood or power outage situations.”

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An FAQ on Emergency Preparedness Kits

We often don’t think of having a survival kit until the moment arises. However, it’s always important to be prepared ahead of disaster. Retired Special Forces Combat Veteran Mykel Hawke emphasized that emergency kits are especially important for self-sustainability.

“It is important to everyone, all the time, to live,” said Hawke. “That common sense statement is often not considered by everyone as many feel someone will be there to assist them in a ‘real’ emergency,” Hawke advises that it is better to err on the side of safety since no response agency can be everywhere at once. He stresses the importance of keeping a food and water supply in your everyday bag, car, and at home.

Laura Zerra, who starred in the show Naked and Afraid, has spent over 15 years surviving in major ecosystems around the world. She suggests being prepared with three different types of emergency kits, one for the wilderness, one for medical supplies, and another to keep in your car.

“I don’t think anyone should go into the wilderness without a wilderness survival kit,” said Zerra. “My car always has a few key items on hand, and a first aid kit is always a part of all these kits.”

Matt Tate, the owner of American Survival Co., has spent years training students in the art of survival. He recently led a group of young adults through a wilderness survival retreat in Netflix’s hit show, “Snowflake Mountain.” Tate believes that training and navigation courses always trump gear.

“Without the proper training and understanding, some of the items listed below will be useless or significantly less effective,” said Tate. “Take some classes, learn some new skills and start adopting a mindset of self-reliance and self-rescue now, before you need them.”

What should I put in a 72-hour emergency kit?

Unless you’re a psychic, it’s impossible to know when disaster will strike. Although there are plenty of premade emergency kits for purchase, having some essential items on hand is not a bad idea for those who like to be prepared. Whether you’re about to explore the great outdoors or simply want something for your home, here are 5 things to always have on standby:

1. Water: A 72-hour kit is three days’ worth of water for drinking and cleaning. If you’re traveling and can’t bring that amount, use water purification tablets like Aquatabs (Amazon, $29.99).
2. Batteries: Everyone’s connected until the power goes. Batteries will not only keep flashlights on but battery-powered radios, too.
3. Non-Perishable Food: Along with water, food is another essential item in your emergency preparedness kit. Non-perishable food, such as nuts, canned goods and energy bars, are ideal, as they don’t require refrigeration or heating. It’s also a good idea to have a can opener.
4. First Aid Kit: A quality first aid kit should include adhesive bandages, tweezers, scissors, antiseptic wipes and over-the-counter pain relievers.
5. Flashlight: Flashlights are not only necessary for home emergencies but ones on the road. They can be used to wave down help and provide visibility at night. And don’t forget to have extra batteries for them, too!
6. Battery-Powered: If power goes out (or service is spotty), a radio will keep you tuned into what’s going on. A hand-crank radio also works.

Other things to consider adding to your 72-hour emergency kit are a portable charging bank for your phone, a blanket, jacket, cash, and small tools, such as a compass, whistle, pocket knife, and screwdriver.

Where is the most ideal place to put your survival kits?

The best place for a survival kit is wherever it is more secure but easily accessible. Closets, a designated shelf or close to the front door are all ideal locations. Don’t forget to make sure every family member knows where the kit is. This will prevent having to search for it if trouble arises.

Another ideal spot for an emergency preparedness kit is the car. Depending on its size, it can be placed in the trunk or beneath a car seat. Having a small first aid kit for work is also helpful.

It’s generally recommended to recheck your survival kit every six months. The last thing anyone wants is to be in an emergency only to find that they’re low on batteries, food or another must-have. While it may seem like a hassle, it can be worth it in the long run and is as simple as marking your calendar or placing a reminder on your phone.

What to know about wilderness kits

According to the experts, if you plan on spending time exploring the outdoors, hunting, fishing or hiking, it’s always important to carry a small survival kit with you. Some of the items every kit should have are a water filter, a fire-making method, an emergency shelter, a headlamp, a whistle, a signaling device, and some wound care items.

What to know about medical emergency kits

Most experts believe that every emergency kit should at least have some basic medical supplies inside it. However, it is also important to consider purchasing a fully stocked first aid kit to keep at home or take on longer trips. These kits should not only have bandages and splints but also store all the medications you might need.

What to know about car emergency kits

While basic roadside kits should certainly include jumper cables and a flashlight, experts suggest that you should stock up on more than just car-starting essentials. Emergency blankets, candles, and sleeping bags also come in handy during winter storms if you’re stuck in your vehicle.

What to know about food supply kits

Most humans can last without food for about three weeks and only survive a few days without water. Experts emphasize how important it is to plan ahead for your nutritional needs. Generally, it’s encouraged to keep a day of food and water supplies in your purse or backpack, up to a week’s worth in your car, and up to a month’s worth at home.

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