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!