Preparing Your Grab & Go Family Kits
Family kits serve the entire family and provide an extra layer of items that can make having to leave home a bit easier to manage. These kits are unique in that they provide your family with an opportunity to plan for a more extended emergency when you don’t know when you'll be returning home or perhaps where you'll even go.
Grab & Go
These kits serve double duty because they can be used at home during emergencies as well. But having them packed and ready to go means you can take both the individual grab & go bags and family kits with you on the road should you need to evacuate or leave your home for any reason. Learn more about how to pack the family kits and make them part of your emergency evacuation plan. Remember to rotate any perishable item at least once per year. Learn more about the grab list, for items that can't be packed away for any reason, but still need to be included.
Shelter & Warmth Kit
Envision a scenario when you are asked to leave your home but staying at a motel or with family, for whatever reason, is not an option. Creating a shelter and warmth kit, a space for your family to sleep and stay warm, adds a layer of security and comfort. You may not end up needing this kit but having it with you on the road, just in case, gives you that option. Who wants to sleep in a car?
Kit Items
- a tent that is large enough for your family and pets
- tent accessories including plastic ground cover & stakes
- sleeping bags & camping pillows
- small folding camp chairs if desired
- see light kit for camp lighting options
Tip: Before you pack this tent away, practice putting it up so there are no surprises. This gives you time to work out all the bugs and to get familiar with the tent and accessories. If you already have one you can use, put it up and see if there is anything that needs to be fixed or issues that need to be addressed.
Food & Cooking Kit
Food
- freeze-dried food
- canned foods
- boxed foods
- hot chocolate
- powdered beverage to mix with water
NOTE: You can simply add more items already contained in your Grab & Go Bags. Here are some ready to eat foods.
Cooking Equipment
- can opener - manual
- portable stove with fuel
- pot and pan
- cooking utensil set
- mess kit for each family member
- disposable plates, bowls, cups, utensils
- small foldable table for prep surface
- spray dish soap
- small wash bin
- paper towels
NOTE: A can opener has also been assigned to the shared essentials grab & go bag.
Fire Starter
- lighter/matches
- ferro rod as backup
- tinder if you're burning wood
NOTE: Lighter/matches have also been assigned to the shared essentials grab & go bag.
Tip: To help you build your food & cooking kit, learn more about portable cooking options, shelf-stable food, and fire starters.
Lighting Kit for Camping or Other Needs
Inside lighting options
- LED Lantern: solar or battery-powered with adjustable lumen output
- String or Fairy Lights: solar or battery-powered string lights can be draped along tent poles or hung overhead for a soft, ambient glow
- Clip-On or Hanging Tent Lights: these are compact LED lights with hooks or carabiners that attach to the tent ceiling
- Book or Clip Lights: clip them to a book, sleeping bag, or tent flap for a focused beam without disturbing others
- Glow Sticks: provides dim light that is safe and fun for kids - are already assigned to kid's grab & go bags but you may want to add more
- LED Strip Lights: these are stick-on or magnetic strips that run along the tent seams - some are dimmable or color-changing
Outside lighting options
- LED Lantern: solar or battery-powered with adjustable lumen output
- Coleman lantern with Coleman fuel
- solar-powered string lighting
NOTE: Flashlights and headlamps are assigned to each individual's grab & go bag - and a high-powered LED flashlight has been assigned to the shared essentials grab & go bag.
Tip: Solar-powered string lights are a great addition to a light kit, especially in a camp setting. They can be taken out during the day to charge in the sun and brought into the tent for evening use. The on/off switch allows you to turn the lights off when you're ready to sleep.
Sanitation Kit
This kit will allow you to set up a private area for sanitation purposes right outside your tent.
Options
- porta-potty
- toilet paper (biodegradable is best)
- liners & twist ties
- super sorb or other absorbent
- privacy tent
The Cathole
When services are down and no one is showing up, the disposal of waste becomes one's own responsibility. While officials generally advise against burying waste, in prolonged emergencies it may become necessary. There is a safe method of disposal known as a cathole. Correctly adhering to this disposal method ensures waste is buried at least 6-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water sources. To learn how to create a cathole, watch this short video and download step-by-step instructions. Store these instructions with your sanitation kit.
Tip: If you have prepared a sanitation kit for home emergency use, and have chosen one of the two portable methods, then you have already completed this kit. If you pack it right, you can take it with you on the road. Adding a privacy tent, as suggested above, will make it more comfortable.
Cleaning Kit
Handwashing
- water jug with a spigot faucet
- bleach
- measuring cup
- bar or liquid soap
- paper towels with dispenser
- catch basin
Shower
- solar shower
- soap
- shampoo / conditioner
- towels
- privacy tent
Tip: Learn how to create a handwashing kit and shower kit for emergency use at home and have the ability to take with you should you need to evacuate.
Communications Kit
Here is a list of emergency equipment options that could benefit you and your family during an emergency both at home and on the road.
Equipment
- FRS Walkie-Talkies
- Citizens Band (CB) 2-Way Radio
- HAM Radio
- LTE Push-to-Talk Radios
- Satellite Communicators
- Starlink Systems
Let’s look at each so you can determine what works best for you and your family.
FRS Walkie-Talkies
FRS (Family Radio Service) walkie-talkies provide a simple and reliable way to communicate over short distances when cell phones are unavailable.
- FRS walkie-talkies typically operate within a range of approximately 1/3 to 1 mile under normal conditions. Obstructions like buildings or trees can affect this range.
- To maximize their utility, distribute walkie-talkies among family or friends within operational range.
- Ideal for short-range communication between family members or small groups in close proximity.
Citizens Band Radio
CB radios allow for communication over short distances using low-powered transmitters and receivers. No license is required to operate a CB radio, making it an accessible choice for many households.
- Mobile units may communicate a few miles in typical conditions and can reach distances of up to around 10-15 miles in optimal circumstances.
- Stationary base stations with a properly mounted antenna can sometimes extend beyond that range.
- Handheld CB radios typically have the shortest range, usually 1–2 miles under normal conditions.
- It is ideal for keeping in touch during local travel or coordinating within a small community.
Note: Real-world performance is influenced by many factors including terrain, antenna quality, and atmospheric conditions.
HAM Radio
HAM radio, also known as amateur radio, is a versatile and powerful tool for communication before, during, and after emergencies. While it requires a license to operate and talk, anyone can listen to broadcasts, which can be highly informative during a crisis.
- HAM radios can communicate over long distances, even across states or countries, depending on the equipment and conditions.
- To obtain a license, you must pass an exam covering radio theory, regulations, and operating practices. Many resources, including books, online courses, and local amateur radio clubs, are available to help you prepare.
- Best suited for individuals interested in advanced communication and those who need to connect over extended distances.
LTE Push-to-Talk Radios with Nationwide Range
LTE push-to-talk radios require cellular service to function; however, they can connect to multiple LTE networks. This means they may find an operational network even if your primary provider is down, although they will not work if all carriers experience an outage. When successful, this can provide extended communication across large parts of the country. These devices combine the simplicity of walkie-talkies with the broad coverage of cellular networks.
- Features instant communication, long battery life, and secure, encrypted conversations.
- Excellent for families or teams needing reliable communication across large distances where cellular coverage is available.
- Note: These devices are less reliable during widespread network outages affecting all carriers in an area.
Satellite Communicators
Satellite communicators provide global communication coverage by connecting directly to satellite networks. These devices are ideal for remote areas or during emergencies when cellular networks are unavailable.
- Global coverage, including remote wilderness and oceans.
- Features two-way messaging, GPS navigation, SOS functionality, and long battery life.
- Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, or those in areas prone to natural disasters.
Starlink Systems
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service that offers high-speed broadband connectivity. While not a traditional communication device, it can enable internet-based tools like email, messaging apps, and VoIP calls in remote areas.
- Expanding global coverage, with a focus on stationary or semi-portable setups.
- Features high-speed internet for entire households or emergency camps.
- Requires power and setup, making it less portable than other options.
- Ideal for establishing a communication hub in remote or disaster-affected areas.
Tip: Your family may be separated when an emergency develops in your area. Learn more about making a comprehensive family emergency communications plan now to ensure that your family will be prepared and know what to do.
Tool Kit
Options Include:
- work gloves
- pocketknife
- screwdriver
- pliers
- nylon utility cord
- small foldable shovel
- 50-foot paracord
- hatchet or axe
- wire cutters
- scissors
- extra flashlight or headlamp
First Aid Kit
Look at this list of options you may want to add to your family's first aid kit. While it is a long list, it's not conclusive. See if you can think of other items your family may want to have included.
Options Include
- bulb suction
- sterile trauma sponge
- antibiotic ointment, antiseptic wipes or spray
- cotton balls / swabs
- instant cold compress
- heat wraps for neck & back
- hot water bottle (rubber)
- blood clotting: QuikClot® or Celox™
- burn ointment
- calamine or aloe lotion
- sunscreen
- bite and sting kit
- insect repellent
- fine point tweezers
- fine needle for splinter removal
- hydrocortisone cream
- KI (potassium iodide) tablets
- non-latex gloves
- thermometer (non-glass)
- alcohol wipes
- tissue pack
- space blanket
- toothache remedies like Save-a-Tooth®
- safety pins
- plastic bags for disposal
- petroleum jelly or other lubricants
- electrolyte tablets
- activated charcoal
OTC Drug Options
- antacids
- nausea
- diarrhea
- laxative
- antihistamines
- cold/flu
- saline eye solution
- saline nose spray
- oxymetazoline nose spray (3-day use max)
- UTI & other meds like Azo, Monistat
- include dosage spoons & droppers
Tips: Your first aid container can be a medical bag, backpack, or tackle box. Keep an inventory and watch expiration dates. Keep an extra pair of reading glasses and a small flashlight at the top of the kit so you can quickly get what you need. Include some type of first aid manual that covers general first aid principles.
Water & Purification Kit
If you run out of the water you have taken with you upon evacuation and more bottled water is unavailable where you are, your family needs to be prepared to find, treat, and store natural sources of water until you can get back home.
You can find natural water sources available to you within your geographical location by checking out this database. The water kit, if packed sufficiently, should give you what you need to treat the water, then contain the water for use. Be advised that not all types of water contamination can be treated for use. Learn more about water contamination and what is needed to treat each pathogen.
Items Needed
- water quality test kits
- a clean container or bucket for drawing water from a natural source
- purifying agents (see below)
- refillable water container with spigot (use for freshly treated water)
- include drinking cups
Purifying Agents
- filters
- pot for boiling (or container designed for boiling water)
- portable stove with fuel
Tip: See if these water quality test kits will work for you. Learn more about purification methods when choosing which products to add to your kit. When checking out this link, visit the Boil, Chemical, Filter, and Solar tabs for on-the-go methods.
Battery Kit
The battery kit system keeps all one-time-use batteries stored in one sturdy container made specifically for batteries. Once stocked, it is for both home and emergency use. This keeps the oldest batteries in front and next in line for use. When you take one or more, simply buy replacements and restock the container by placing the newest batteries in the back.
Store this kit with your other family kits for easy access if you need to grab & go. Then, when you need a battery for daily use, they'll be waiting for you there. Just remember to replace what you take out.
Storage conditions are important. The battery kit must be stored in a dry environment and at room temperature or slightly cooler if possible. Avoid storing this kit in an area that experiences extreme temperature swings that range from hot to below freezing.
If you’d like to include rechargeable batteries, place them in a plastic bag. Both battery types can be included to make up your battery kit.
Benefits
- You do NOT need to store lots of extra batteries in your grab & go bags and family kits and then worry about expiration dates and rotations.
- With the battery kit, all batteries are portioned out on an as-needed basis once your few batteries stored in your go bag need replacement.
Please Note
- If you choose to make this system part of your evacuation plan, never omit batteries entirely from go bags. There should always be at least one battery per device.
If you choose not to utilize the battery kit system, make sure your shared essentials bag contains the number of extra batteries needed to power your battery-powered devices - with backups to spare.
Tip: There are many different sizes and styles of battery storage and organizer cases. Do a search on Amazon to see what will work for you and your family. Learn more about batteries for emergency use.
Charging Kit
A portable power station is a device that converts stored energy from its internal battery into electrical power that can be used to run various electronic devices and appliances. It consists of a battery, a power inverter, and a set of outlets or ports. Its battery can be recharged via a wall outlet, car charger, or solar panel, depending on the model.
For best results, keep the battery fully charged and ready to go. It’s generally safe to keep your portable power station plugged in daily because most models include battery management systems that prevent overcharging. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines as some may recommend unplugging it periodically to maximize battery longevity. When unplugged, modern lithium-ion batteries typically have a self-discharge rate of about 2–3% per month.
Using solar panels to recharge
Many models are compatible with external solar panels that can be purchased separately. Some manufacturers offer bundles that include both the power station and a compatible solar panel, while others sell the two items separately.
However, some models lack solar compatibility and rely only on wall outlets, car chargers, or other sources. Always check specifications to ensure compatibility, as solar recharging provides you with more options during emergencies.
Smaller Appliances and Devices
Portable power stations excel at powering smaller appliances and everyday devices, such as TVs (small to medium-sized), computers (desktops and laptops), mini fridges, toasters, blenders, LED lights, fans, medical devices (e.g., CPAP machines), smartphones, tablets, laptops, and low-wattage power tools. The number of appliances and devices a portable power station can run simultaneously, as well as the duration of operation, depends on the model's wattage capacity.
Popular lower-capacity portable power station models that are well-suited for powering smaller appliances and devices include models like the Anker 521, Jackery Explorer 300, EcoFlow River 2 Pro, RAVPower Portable Power Station 252.7Wh, and Aukey PowerTitan 300.
Learn more about powering larger home appliances with a higher-capacity portable power station.
Runtime before recharging
Runtime varies by battery capacity and device wattage. Smaller units may last 2–6 hours with light usage, while larger models can provide power for up to 12 hours or more, depending on the load. Devices with higher wattage reduce runtime, so prioritize use during emergencies.
Entertainment Kit
Giving both kids and adults something to do while the family is away from home can be a very nice distraction.
Ideas for kids
- playing cards
- board games
- jacks
- yo-yo
- dice
- stuffed animals
- books
- activity books
- sudoku
- word searches
- crossword puzzles
- puzzles
- notepad, paper, pens, crayons, washable markers
Ideas for Adults
- magazines
- books
- notepad and pen
- knitting, crocheting, and cross stitching
Tip: Of course, these are just ideas and suggestions. Can you think of other things that you and other family members would appreciate?
Grab & Go
We can’t always pack away the things we need to take with us in an evacuation. Examples are medication stored in the refrigerator or the dog's kennel. To avoid the last-minute hassle of trying to remember what these items are, creating and storing a family grab list will do the thinking for you. Once you write down the items you can’t leave home without, this can be used as an easy reference and checklist.
Steps for creating a grab list
- Have all family members write down what they are unable to pack in their individual grab & go bags. This list will be kept at the top of each bag.
- Have an adult write down what items are unable to be packed away with pet or family kits.
- Assign an adult to make sure these list items for individual grab & go bags, pet, and family kits are then added to a master list known as the grab list. This list will be used as a backup and double verification that these items have been gathered and added before the family walks out the door.
- Place the list onto a clipboard with an attached pen and store this on top of or safely nearby packed bags and kits.
Best Storage Location
Keep the family kits and grab & go bags together in one place where they can easily be found and grabbed on your way out. Store in a cool, dry environment.
Tips for Rotation
- Check your bags twice per year
- Check expiration dates on any applicable items and rotate when necessary
- Rotate food every 12 months