General Emergency Disaster Preparedness Kit
california
2 people
9/4/2025
This comprehensive disaster preparedness kit has been personalized for your specific location, disaster type, and household needs. Share it with others to help them prepare too!
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Water & Food Supply
Essential Items
- âAt least 1 gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of 3 days
- âNon-perishable, ready-to-eat foods (canned goods, energy bars, freeze-dried meals)
- âManual can opener
- âPet water and food (3-day supply)
- âCollapsible water containers
Tips
- âĸ Store water in cool, dark places and rotate every 6 months
- âĸ Include a variety of foods that require no cooking or minimal water
- âĸ Check expiration dates regularly and replace expired items
- âĸ Remember to keep pet food and water separate and easily accessible
Recommended Products
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
essential
Portable water filter ideal for emergencies to make water safe to drink
Augason Farms 30 Day Emergency Food Storage Supply
recommended
Long shelf-life, easy to prepare freeze-dried meals for emergencies
Reliable Collapsible Pet Water Bowl
essential
Compact and portable bowl for pets during emergencies
First Aid & Medical
Essential Items
- âComprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, gauze, and medical tape
- âOver-the-counter medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, allergy medicine)
- âPrescription medications (minimum 7-day supply)
- âTweezers, scissors, thermometer
- âPet first aid items (pet-safe antiseptic, bandages)
Tips
- âĸ Learn basic first aid skills to treat injuries until professional care is available
- âĸ Keep medications up to date and store them in a waterproof container
- âĸ Include items specific to personal health conditions
- âĸ Keep a copy of prescription information for all medications
Recommended Products
Medical Kit 299 Piece First Aid Kit by First Aid Only
essential
Complete first aid kit with a wide range of supplies for emergencies
EverlyWell At-Home Allergy Test Kit
optional
Recommended for individuals to check allergy sensitivities aiding in emergency planning
Tools & Equipment
Essential Items
- âMulti-tool or Swiss Army knife
- âFlashlight with extra batteries
- âBattery-powered or hand-crank radio
- âFire extinguisher (rated ABC)
- âDuct tape and whistle
- âPortable phone charger (power bank)
- âDust masks (N95 respirators)
- âBasic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrench)
Tips
- âĸ Check flashlights and radios monthly to ensure functionality
- âĸ Choose tools with multiple functions to save space in an apartment
- âĸ Be sure to have a fire extinguisher suitable for common household fires
- âĸ Dust masks are particularly useful during wildfires in California
Recommended Products
Leatherman Wingman Multitool
essential
Durable multitool with pliers, knife, screwdrivers, and more
Energizer LED Tactical Flashlight, 3 AA Batteries Included
essential
Bright, durable LED flashlight with multiple modes
RunningSnail Hand Crank Radio - Emergency NOAA Weather Radio
essential
Versatile hand crank radio with flashlight, siren, and USB charger
First Alert Multi-Purpose Fire Extinguisher, 1 lb, ABC Rated
essential
Compact and reliable fire extinguisher for small apartment fires
Communication & Documentation
Essential Items
- âList of emergency contacts (printed and digital copies)
- âCopies of important documents (IDs, insurance, medical records)
- âWaterproof document holder or ziplock bags
- âNotebook and pen/pencil
- âBattery-powered or solar phone charger
Tips
- âĸ Store copies of documents in multiple secure locations
- âĸ Include your apartment address and nearest emergency shelters in contacts
- âĸ Have a plan to communicate with each other if separated during emergencies
- âĸ Regularly update digital backups and test electronic devices
Recommended Products
AmazonBasics Waterproof Document Bag - 11 x 15 inch
essential
Protect important documents from water and damage
Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger
essential
Compact high-capacity power bank for emergency phone charging
Clothing & Personal Items
Essential Items
- âSeason-appropriate clothing (layers for variable weather)
- âSturdy shoes or boots
- âRain ponchos or waterproof jackets
- âPersonal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, feminine products)
- âBlankets or emergency space blankets
- âPrescription glasses and sunglasses
Tips
- âĸ California climate can vary, prepare for both warm days and cool nights
- âĸ Include clothing that can protect against dust and debris, especially during wildfires
- âĸ Store personal items in an easy-to-carry bag or backpack
- âĸ Keep spare glasses or contacts accessible
Recommended Products
OZERO Lightweight Waterproof Rain Poncho
recommended
Compact and durable poncho for rain protection
Wise Owl Outfitters Folding Emergency Blanket
essential
Compact thermal blanket to retain body heat
Dr. Scholl's Men's Trail Cruiser Hiking Boot
recommended
Supportive and comfortable footwear suitable for emergency evacuations
Special Needs
Essential Items
- âPet carrier or leash
- âExtra pet medications and vaccination records
- âPet emergency contact and identification tags
- âComfort items for pets (blanket, toys)
- âApartment-friendly compact pet litter box or waste bags
Tips
- âĸ Prepare a go-bag specifically for your pet to make evacuation smoother
- âĸ Keep pet medical and vaccination records in waterproof, easy-to-access bags
- âĸ Practice pet evacuation drills if possible
- âĸ Avoid placing pet supplies in areas prone to flooding or damage
Recommended Products
Petmate Two Door Top Load Kennel
essential
Durable and airline-approved pet carrier for easy transport during evacuation
Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Small & Mini Unscented Cat Litter
recommended
Compact, low-dust cat litter suitable for apartment use
Emergency Planning
Essential Items
- âWritten and discussed emergency evacuation plan
- âMeeting points identified for apartment evacuation
- âLocal emergency shelter locations and routes
- âDeveloped plan for pet care in case of separation
- âRegular drills to practice evacuation
Tips
- âĸ Review and update emergency plans at least twice a year
- âĸ Coordinate plans with neighbors and apartment management
- âĸ Keep plans simple and easy to understand
- âĸ Prepare alternative evacuation routes considering California wildfire and earthquake risks
Additional Recommendations Based on Disaster Type
Essential Items
- âEarthquake securing straps for furniture and appliances
- âEmergency whistle with a lanyard
- âHeavy-duty gloves for debris handling
- âEye protection goggles
- âFace masks specifically for wildfire smoke (N95 or better)
Tips
- âĸ In California, wildfires and earthquakes are major concerns, so prioritize smoke protection and securing items
- âĸ Keep heavy gloves and goggles to protect yourself during cleanup or debris movement
- âĸ Test electrical systems and secure heavy furniture to minimize earthquake damage
- âĸ Always have a whistle to signal rescuers if trapped
Recommended Products
Xtra-Strength Fireplace Gloves Heat Resistant
recommended
Heavy-duty gloves for protection when handling debris or fires
Important Tips & Reminders
- âĸRegularly check and rotate perishable items to maintain kit readiness
- âĸStore your disaster kit in an accessible location known to all adults in the household
- âĸKeep backpacks or grab-and-go bags ready for each household member
- âĸStay informed with local emergency alerts via smartphone apps and NOAA radios
- âĸDevelop a neighbor support plan especially when living in an apartment complex
- âĸConsider additional emergency insurance coverage appropriate to California risks