Virginia Emergency Kit

It can take several days or weeks for government services and assistance to reach you and your family depending on the severity of the disaster and your geographic location. An emergency kit is vital to sustaining your family after a disaster.

Use this checklist to build your emergency supply kit over time by adding a few items each week or month. Many emergency preparedness products are eligible for Virginia’s tax-free weekend held annually in August. The 3-day sales tax holiday starts the first Friday in August at 12:01 a.m. and ends the following Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Regularly replace items that go bad such as water, food, medication, and batteries, and remember to keep in mind your family’s unique needs as you build your kit.

FOOD + SUPPLIES

At least a 3-day supply of water and non-perishable food

Infant supplies such as formula, diapers, baby wipes, etc.

Pet food and supplies

MEDICAL NEEDS

Medications for at least one week and copies of prescriptions

Medical equipment, assistive technology and backup batteries

Ice for refrigerating medications

First aid kit and antibiotic ointment

Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers and antacids

Prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution

Sunblock

Medical alert tags/bracelets

TOOLS + SAFETY ITEMS

Flashlight and extra batteries

Multipurpose tool and can opener

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Wrench or pliers

(to turn off utilities)

Plastic sheeting and duct tape

(to shelter in place)

Whistle (to signal for help)

Pencil and paper

Mess kits, paper cups, paper plates, and plastic utensils

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

Cell phone, charger and a backup battery

Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

Local maps

PROTECTIVE GEAR + CLOTHING

Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above)

Warm clothing and sturdy shoes

Blankets or sleeping bags

EMERGENCY FUNDS

Emergency cash funds should be able to sustain your family several days at a minimum. Government assistance and resources take time.

Do not rely on credit cards or debit cards as critical networks such as Internet or electrical infrastructure may be impaired. Be sure to withdraw plenty of cash before the storm.

Plan for evacuation funds to cover fuel, lodging and meals as well as pet boarding costs if you’re asked to evacuate.

CRITICAL PAPERWORK

Prior to a storm or evacuation, collect and store your critical paperwork in a waterproof storage bag or container. Storing a password-protected backup of your records on a virtual cloud service is also recommended.

Driver’s license and passports

Vehicle registration and proof of insurance

Medical and vaccination records

Prescription medicine labels

Birth certificates

Social security cards

Marriage certificates and wills

Proof of residence (deed or lease)

Business and personal tax records

Bank account records

Household inventory (photo or video)

Local maps

HYGIENE + SANITATION

Maintaining good hygiene can stop the spread of bacteria and infectious disease.

Antibacterial soap

Hand sanitizer

Moist towelettes

Garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Paper towels

Toilet paper

Surface disinfectants and wipes

Bleach and rubbing alcohol

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Menstrual Supplies

Personal hygiene items

COMFORT + PRICELESS ITEMS

You may be away from your home for an extended period and your property may be damaged. Grab any items that are irreplaceable or may provide comfort to your family, especially children.

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Favorite stuffed toys

Photo albums

Valuables and jewelry

Sensory items such as fidget spinners, earplugs, etc.

Visit www.vaemergency.gov/emergency-kit to learn more and download the emergency supply checklist!

Additional disaster preparedness information and resources for those with disabilities can be found at www.vaemergency.gov/disability.

PET-FRIENDLY CHECKLIST

ID tags on collars and micro-chip pets

Description and current photos of pets

Immunization and medical records

1.5 gallons of water and sufficient food and medicine for at least three days per pet

Pet medication, copy of feeding and medication schedule for  caregiver, shelter or boarding staff 

Serving bowls

Collar, leash and carrier to transport pets safely

Pet toys and bedding

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

Your emergency communication plan should include extra cellular phone charging devices and batteries as well as additional communication tools: AM/FM radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with additional batteries are recommended.

HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION

Write down phone numbers and email addresses for everyone in your household and other contacts including extended family, friends, neighbors or coworkers. This information will help you reconnect with others even if you don’t have your mobile device with you or if the battery runs down.

If you have a household member who is deaf or hard of hearing, or who has a speech disability and uses traditional or video relay service (VRS), include information on how to connect through relay services on a landline phone, mobile device or computer.

OUT-OF-TOWN CONTACT

Identify someone outside of your community or state who can act as a central point of contact to help your household reconnect. In a disaster, it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call because local phone lines can be overwhelmed or impaired.

SCHOOL, CHILDCARE, CAREGIVER AND WORKPLACE EMERGENCY PLANS

Make sure your household members with phone and email accounts are signed up for alerts and warnings from their school, workplace and local government agencies including: police, fire, ambulance services, public health department, public works, public utilities, school system and your local emergency management office. Following these agencies on social media will provide you with an additional avenue to access convenient and critical information.

Other Important Numbers and Information

Write down, store or have convenient access to phone numbers for emergency services, utility and service providers, medical providers, veterinarians, insurance companies and other critical services.

Visit http://data.gov/disasters/apps-tools/ for a list of apps and tools you can use during severe weather and other disasters!