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. Think of these kits as additional items to supplement (not replace) your grab & go bags.
Types of Family Kits
Family kits do double duty: they support you at home during an emergency and are ready to take with you if you need to evacuate. Keeping them packed and ready means you can grab both your individual bags and your family kits without hesitation. For the things you can’t pack ahead of time, check the grab list - these essential items also need to make it out the door with you. Learn how to pack family kits and make them part of your emergency evacuation plan. Remember to rotate any perishable items at least once a year.
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
- Tent - 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 Lighting 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.
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
- 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, freeze-dried food, and canned/boxed foods - remember to rotate.
Tip: To help you build your food & cooking kit, learn more about portable cooking options, freeze-dried food, and canned/boxed foods - remember to rotate.
Inside lighting options
- LED Lantern
- String or Fairy Lights
- Clip-On or Hanging Tent Lights
- Book or Clip Lights
- Glow Sticks
- LED Strip Lights
Outside lighting options
- LED Lantern
- Coleman lantern
- 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.
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.
This kit takes sanitation to a new and welcomed level. The addition of a privacy tent allows for privacy in a controlled environment.
Kit Items
- Privacy tent
- Porta-potty
- Toilet paper (biodegradable is best)
- Liners & twist ties
- Super sorb or other absorbent
- 1-gallon liquid bleach
- Liquid absorber (i.e., super sorb)
- Hand wipes/sanitizer
Cathole Items
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.
- Protective gloves
- (e.g., latex, nitrile, vinyl, neoprene)
- 15-gallon trash bags
- Collapsible shovel
- Heavy gloves for digging
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most emergencies begin with partial system failures - some channels may still work while others go down. That’s why it’s critical to have a layered communication plan that uses multiple tools with overlapping functions. If one method fails, another can take its place. Here are some popular and reliable backup communication options that could benefit you and your family during an emergency both at home and on the road.
Communication Device Options
AM/FM/SW Radio | NOAA Weather Alert Radio | FRS Walkie-Talkie | GMRS Walkie-Talkie | CB Radios | HAM (Amateur) Radios | Mesh Network Devices | Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Radio | Personal Locator Beacons | Satellite Communicators | Satellite Internet
Learn more about these devices by visiting How to Communicate When Cell and Grid Power Go Down
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.
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.
You'll want to have reliable tools with you. Here are a few options - add anything you may want to take with you.
Kit Options
- Work gloves
- Pocketknife
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Blade Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Crescent Wrench Set
- Nylon utility cord
- Small foldable shovel
- 50-foot paracord
- Hatchet or axe
- Wire cutters
- Scissors
- Flashlight or headlamp
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
TIP: 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.
Tip: 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.
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
- 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)
- Drinking cups
Purifying Agents
- Filters - learn more
- Chemical disinfection - learn more
- Pot for boiling
- 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, and filter tabs for on-the-go methods.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TIP: 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.
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.
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
- Pen
- Knitting, crocheting, and cross stitching
TIP: These are just ideas and suggestions. Can you think of other things that you and other family members would appreciate?
Tip: These are just ideas and suggestions. Can you think of other things that you and other family members would appreciate?
Creating the Grab List
We cannot always pack away everything we need to take with us in an evacuation. Examples include medication stored in the refrigerator or the dog’s kennel. To avoid last-minute stress and forgotten items, create and store a family grab list. Once you write down the items you cannot leave home without, the list becomes an easy reference and checklist.
Steps for creating a grab list
- Have each family member write down the items they are unable to pack in their individual grab & go bags. Keep this list at the top of each bag.
- Have an adult write down any items that cannot be packed away with pet or family kits.
- Assign an adult to combine the individual grab & go bag lists, pet lists, and family kit lists into one master list called the grab list.
- This master list serves as a backup and a second check to make sure everything has been gathered before the family leaves home.
- Place the list on a clipboard with an attached pen and store it on top of, or safely near, packed bags and kits.
- Review the grab list at least once a year - if any needs have changed, make sure to up date this list.
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