Get Prepared - Gather Supplies - NYCEM

Emergency Management


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Gather Supplies

Go Bag

Everyone in your household should have a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry. Your Go Bag should be sturdy and easy to carry, like a backpack or a small suitcase on wheels. You'll need to customize your Go Bag for your personal needs, but some of the important things you need in your Go Bag include:

Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container (insurance cards, birth certificates, deeds, photo IDs, proof of address, etc.)

Extra set of car and house keys

Copies of credit/ATM cards

Cash (in small bills)

Bottled water and nonperishable food, such as energy or granola bars

Flashlight (Note: Traditional flashlight bulbs have limited lifespans. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.)

Battery-operated AM/FM radio

Extra batteries/chargers

A list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages. If you store extra medication in your Go Bag, be sure to refill it before it expires. Get prescription preparedness tips from the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene

First-aid kit

Toiletries

Notepad and pen

Contact and meeting place information for your household, and a small regional map

Lightweight raingear and Mylar blanket

If you have children, pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys.

If you're older or have any special medical needs, consider including these items:

Instructions and extra batteries for any devices you use

Aerosol tire repair kits and/or tire inflator to repair flat wheelchair or scooter tires

Back-up medical equipment

Items to comfort you in a stressful situation

If you have a pet, you need to pack a Go Bag for them:

A current color photograph of you and your pet together (in case you are separated)

Copies of medical records that indicate dates of vaccinations and a list of medications your pet takes and why he or she takes them

Proof of identification and ownership, including copies of registration information, adoption papers, proof of purchase, and microchip information

Physical description of your pet, including species, breed, age, sex, color, distinguishing traits, and any other vital information about characteristics and behavior

Animal first aid kit, including flea and tick treatment and other items recommended by your veterinarian

Food and water for at least three days

Food and water dishes

Collapsible cage or carrier

Muzzle* and sturdy leash (*Note: Nylon muzzles should only be used temporarily as they can restrict a dog’s ability to pant)

Cotton sheet to place over the carrier to help keep your pet calm

Comforting toys or treats

Litter, litter pan, and litter scoop

Plastic bags for clean-up

Emergency Supply Kit

Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter in place, for up to seven days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight saving times.

One gallon of drinking water per person per day

Nonperishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and manual can opener

First-aid kit

Flashlight (Note: Traditional flashlight bulbs have limited lifespans. Light Emitting Diode (LED) flashlights, however, are more durable and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.)

Battery-operated AM/FM radio and extra batteries (you can also buy wind-up radios that do not require batteries)

Whistle

Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach (for disinfecting water ONLY if directed to do so by health officials) and eyedropper (for adding bleach to water)

Personal hygiene items: soap, feminine hygiene products, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.

Phone that does not rely on electricity

Child care supplies or other special care items

Regardless of the season, it's a good idea to prepare for an in-car emergency. Assemble an emergency supply kit for your vehicle, and consider adding the following items for winter conditions:

Blankets, sleeping bags, extra newspapers for insulation

Plastic bags (for sanitation)

Extra mittens, socks, scarves and hat, raingear and extra clothes

Sack of sand or kitty litter for gaining traction under wheels, small shovel

Set of tire chains or traction mats

Working jack and lug wrench, spare tire

Windshield scraper, broom

Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

Booster cables

Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag, flares or reflective triangles