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       Ellen Airhart, who writes about emergency preparedness and sanitation, has used blood and dog feces to test cleaning products.
       We’ve updated this guide to include the best generators and portable power stations. We’ve also replaced the discontinued LifeStraw Max with a new water filter.
       The internet is full of lists of essential items, but many of them can be intimidatingly detailed and dauntingly complex. In fact, in most cases, a basic kit can be assembled from items you already have at home. And there’s no one-size-fits-all kit.
       ”I think we’re too focused on finding the one right way to respond,” said Jonathan McNamara, the Red Cross’s regional communications manager. “You definitely need to be flexible and tailor your response to your family’s circumstances.”
       However, if disaster strikes and you have to shelter in place, everyone should have a supply of essential items stored in a special container. We understand it can be tempting to buy a ready-made first aid kit—whether homemade or emergency—and call it a day. However, making your own kit guarantees quality and allows you to customize it to your needs.
       The projects here are divided into six main categories that you can tackle one at a time to ensure you cover all aspects of the subject.
       For more information on tools and preparation for specific disaster scenarios, check out our guides on preparing for hurricanes, wildfires, winter storms, and earthquakes. We also have a guide on building a home evacuation kit.
       Since 2017, this guide has been developed by authors and editors trained in disaster preparedness. They apply their knowledge to natural disasters. Together, they spent hundreds of hours researching, compiling a list of essential items that are indispensable both during natural disasters and in everyday life.
       Ellen Airhart contributed to our hurricane, wildfire, and earthquake preparedness guides. For the latest issue, she interviewed eight new experts, including representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Red Cross, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an architect, and an accessibility specialist.
       The Federal Emergency Management Agency (PDF) recommends storing enough drinking water for three days, or one gallon per person per day. However, this is only for drinking and does not cover basic hygiene needs.
       If you have the space, we believe a 14-day water supply is a reasonable goal, especially in seismic zones. We’ve found two ways to ensure an adequate water supply: dedicated water tanks or a water purification system. Regularly check the expiration dates of food items and replace your water supply at least every six months.
       The container lasts approximately five days for one person. It’s durable and easy to use, even when full of liquid. However, even after repeated rinsing, the contents still retain a slight plastic odor.
       Of the four collapsible water containers we tested, the Wolverine Tuff Bottle, a 20L bottle, was, as its name suggests, the most durable. It was also the easiest to fill and carry. Full of water, the bag weighed about 40 pounds—the maximum we could comfortably carry with one hand. Another water container we tested broke after falling from a six-foot shelf, but the Wolverine Tuff Bottle has two layers of UV-resistant plastic, ensuring no leaks. We froze the container for a weekend, and when we refilled it with water, it didn’t leak. My experience is confirmed by ASTM International, a standards organization that conducts similar drop tests from various heights and with various liquids, including antifreeze.
       Wolverine Tuff is a family-owned company that originally manufactured medical packaging, so according to Riley Wilkes, Director of Operations, they have experience packaging high-risk solvents. The Wolverine Tuff water bottle on Amazon comes with a red spout, but other accessories, including a spout for Sawyer water filters, are also available on the Wolverine Tuff website. The company partners with various charities to provide 400,000 gallons of clean drinking water.
       One drawback of the Wolverine Tuff container: we noticed a slight plastic odor in the water, even after multiple washes. The WaterStorageCube collapsible water bag retains less plastic odor and is less expensive, but it has a shorter warranty, lacks a spigot, and doesn’t undergo the same standard testing as the Wolverine Tuff container.
       Grant Brown, director of recreation and cultural affairs for Gulf Shores, Alabama, says water is often the first aid the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sends to storm-damaged areas. But it’s the one thing you’ll miss most. Hurricane warnings are issued at least 36 hours before a storm, giving you time to stock up on water for drinking and other household needs, such as cleaning and flushing toilets. In an emergency, experts recommend stocking up on at least one gallon (3.7 liters) of water per person per day for at least three days. “There’s an old saying: ‘For the first 72 hours, you’re on your own,’” says Brown, referring to the first 72 hours after a storm.
       While the water storage containers we recommend are convenient to carry, you don’t need any special tools to store liquids. For “gray water”—water that can be used for washing and flushing the toilet, but isn’t safe to drink—you can turn off the drain when filling the bathtub and sink. One of our sources mentioned the WaterBOB, a plastic container that fits in the bathtub, but we haven’t tested it yet.
       You can fill any nearby drinking water bottles and place them in the refrigerator or freezer (just make sure they’re freeze-safe). This will not only keep the water cool, but since water has a higher specific heat capacity than air, it means the interior of the refrigerator or freezer will heat up more slowly, even if the power goes out. Hurricanes are common in warmer regions during the summer and fall. Even if you have power, you won’t regret having a cold drink while cleaning.
       This durable, portable 7-gallon plastic jug is packed with convenient features, including a pouring hole for easy pouring.
       Rigid blue polyethylene containers consistently outperform opaque collapsible water containers, both for pouring and storage. They are also more durable and leak-proof. We tested five models and concluded that the extra-large, durable Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-gallon water container is the best choice for emergency preparedness.
       The Aqua-Tainer features a built-in, drop-resistant handle for comfortable use. The spout retracts into the lid when not in use, reducing the risk of cracks or splinters. The kettle also features a screw-on degassing valve, preventing the loss of small parts or leaks.
       It’s important to note: unlike some other Reliance models, the Aqua-Tainer isn’t designed to be stacked. A fully filled 7-gallon jug weighs nearly 60 pounds (27 kg). Therefore, those traveling light may prefer the more expensive 5-gallon Reliance Aqua-Pak jug. Alternatively, a larger, more affordable jug can be purchased to avoid overfilling.
       Reliance recommends replacing emergency water tanks every 90 days. To prevent bacteria from entering the water, thoroughly clean the tank and wash your hands before filling it.
       If you’re concerned about contamination after opening the kettle and don’t have a LifeStraw Max, boiling water is the safest option. However, be sure to let the water boil for one minute, or three minutes if you’re at an altitude above 1,500 meters (5,000 feet). Also, remember that some of the water will evaporate, which can be dangerous if your water level is low.
       Made of food-grade plastic, this large bucket can hold enough water for the whole family.
       A family of four will need at least eight Aqua-Tainer containers to store two weeks’ worth of water. Another option is to buy a 55-gallon barrel. We recommend this model from Augason Farms (though, frankly, we’ve found that most blue 55-gallon barrels of this type are about the same size).
       You’ll need to pump out the water, and if you’re concerned about contamination, you can treat it with chlorine dioxide tablets. For convenience, we still recommend boiling the water.
       The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends changing the water in storage tanks every six months. Ideally, water should be stored in a cool, dark place. If buckets are stored on concrete that heats up easily, place them on a wooden platform before filling. These buckets can weigh up to 200 kg (440 lbs), so if you live in an earthquake-prone area, avoid leaving them where they could fall off ledges or slopes and cause injury.
       You can use the Sawyer Mini system, which filters bacteria and protozoa, by connecting it directly to your water source or a water bottle. It requires virtually no maintenance and is the smallest filter we tested.
       If you’re running low on clean drinking water, consider purifying it as a backup. Personal filtration systems can remove bacteria and protozoa, including E. coli and Giardia, but they don’t remove waterborne viruses; for these, you’ll need purification tablets, as described below. Boiling water, if possible, is also an effective way to kill bacteria and viruses.
       Potable Aqua tablets can remove viruses from water, but they take four hours to work and must be used in conjunction with a filter.
       Katadyn tablets contain the same active ingredient as Potable Aqua tablets; choose the less expensive tablets.
       If drinking water options are limited, water purification tablets combined with a filter are a good option, but they have their drawbacks. While one tablet can purify one liter of water, their effectiveness lasts only four hours. However, these tablets are capable of killing viruses and bacteria in water, as well as cysts such as giardia and cryptosporidia. They are unable to remove physical and chemical contaminants such as metals, pesticides, or dirt, so they should always be used with a filter.
       Your emergency food supply strategy should depend on how proactively you plan to maintain your food supply. One approach is to stock your pantries with canned and dried shelf-stable foods that you enjoy and eat regularly: soups, fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, oatmeal, pasta, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, and packaged milk (which doesn’t need to be refrigerated before opening). This is a great strategy, especially for flavor, but only if you’re proactive and replenish your supplies promptly.
       Our colleagues at The New York Times Food Section share practical tips for stocking up on emergency food supplies. Expert advice includes: how to enhance the flavor of canned and ready-to-eat foods with seasonings and spices; recommendations on which foods to eat first (and in what order) during a power outage; what foods to prepare if water shortages are expected during a disaster; and common sense regarding expiration dates and how often to replenish supplies.
       General recommendations for the types of foods that can be stored can be found in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) list (PDF). You’ll also need a good can opener; we recommend the EZ-Duz-It.
       If there’s still time before an emergency, for example, if you suspect the power might go out during a hurricane, set your refrigerator and freezer to the lowest temperature. Freeze as much water as possible (ice warms more slowly than air). This will keep food fresh longer even if the power goes out. If you keep the freezer door closed, food can be eaten for up to 72 hours after a power outage.
       The dishes are lightweight, portable, and easy to store and prepare. The company’s 30-year warranty is one of the best in its category, and the dishes performed exceptionally well in our taste tests.
       If you don’t want to store your own food, consider purchasing meal kits. We recommend Mountain House meal kits, which have a shelf life of up to 30 years, so you don’t have to worry about regularly replacing ingredients. These freeze-dried meals require only water and are lightweight, making them easy to pack in a travel bag. They’re also delicious, but none of the kits we tried were particularly tasty.
       If you’re concerned about food storage, consider purchasing emergency food kits. They often last for decades, so you won’t have to worry about regularly restocking. Many kits come in freeze-dried water packets that can be reconstituted with water. They’re also lightweight and easy to fit in a travel bag. We’re currently publishing a guide to the best emergency food supplies.
       The consequences of lack of access to clean water extend far beyond the smell. Maintaining cleanliness helps prevent the spread of bacteria and infections, which are common in long-term disasters. (Gastrointestinal illnesses and wound infections were the most common infectious diseases after Hurricane Katrina, and at least five people died from minor cuts and abrasions.)
       We believe that a quality first aid kit, hand sanitizer, a mask, and heavy-duty trash bags are essential items in an emergency kit. Many also pack basic personal hygiene items (toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, tampons or sanitary pads, diapers), as well as an extra pair of glasses.
       The Red Cross recommends stocking up on a month’s supply of prescription medications, as supply chains may be disrupted and pharmacies may close after a disaster. However, stocking up on these medications in advance can be difficult, so we recommend consulting with your doctor.
       This first aid kit contains everything you need to treat minor scrapes, cuts, and burns (including plenty of bandages), as well as a first aid guide.
       Everyone should take a basic first aid course. Once you’ve mastered these skills, you’ll need some first aid supplies. The First Aid Only 298-Piece Multipurpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442) contains a variety of first aid supplies for treating minor cuts, burns, and abrasions (bandages, gauze, wipes, ointments, and pain relievers), as well as supplies for more serious wounds (trauma bandages, gauze dressings, and some bandages).
       This first aid kit opens like a book: items are organized into 10 clear plastic compartments, making it easy to find what you need at any time. A key feature is the 196 bandages of various shapes and sizes. The kit measures approximately 23 x 18 cm, making it compact and easy to carry during an evacuation. Other first aid kits we reviewed were either poorly organized or lacked essential items.
       The organizer is waterproof, but we found that water can leak through the zipper. So, if you decide to store it separately from your emergency kit or are buying it for everyday use, avoid placing it in a place where it could get wet, such as under a bathroom sink. (If you need extra protection, you can easily place it in a gallon-sized Ziploc bag.)
       Regularly check the expiration dates of your medications and dressings. Setting an annual reminder on your phone will help you change them on time. We’ve prepared some recommendations for essential items to add to your first aid kit.
       The Sportsman 400 kit includes additional accessories for the treatment of severe penetrating wounds and fractures.