Short answer. UNGRD's official personal kit checklist for Colombia has 24 lines: a waterproof backpack, family ID list and photos, laminated document copies and cash, sealed bottled water, non-perishable food for at least 5 days, utensils and a small pot, a first aid kit and medicines, hygiene items, a whistle, a flashlight, an AM-FM radio with spare batteries, clothing, blankets, raincoats, spare keys, tools and children's items 1.
What is on the UNGRD kit list?
The list below follows the personal kit checklist in the annex of UNGRD's Guía de preparativos ante sismo (first edition, November 2024) 1. Where the guide gives no quantity, the table says so.
| Item | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Easy-to-carry backpack, preferably waterproof | 1 | 1 |
| List of family members with ID number, age, blood type and Rh | 1 copy per kit | 1 |
| Photos of family members marked with their names | not specified | 1 |
| Laminated copies of ID documents, property deeds, and cash | not specified | 1 |
| Drinking water (large, hermetically sealed bottle) | not specified; renew yearly | 1 |
| Non-perishable food such as grains and canned food | reserve for at least 5 days | 1 |
| Containers for eating and drinking: cutlery, plate, cups | not specified | 1 |
| Small pot to boil water or cook | 1 | 1 |
| Bags or containers to store liquids, e.g. rainwater | not specified | 1 |
| First aid kit | 1 | 1 |
| Essential medicines with a copy of the prescription and medical history (allergies, restrictions) | for each family member | 1 |
| Paper copy of each family member's vaccination card | 1 per person | 1 |
| Personal hygiene items | not specified | 1 |
| Whistle | 1 | 1 |
| Flashlight | 1 | 1 |
| Portable AM-FM radio with spare batteries | 1 | 1 |
| Lighter and/or matches | not specified | 1 |
| Complete change of clothes | 1 | 1 |
| Light blankets (gloves and hat in cold climates) | not specified | 1 |
| Raincoats | not specified | 1 |
| Copies of frequently used keys (home, vehicle) | 1 set | 1 |
| Plastic bags of various sizes, scissors, adhesive tape, pencil and paper | not specified | 1 |
| Pocket knife | 1 | 1 |
| Small toy, books, games or crayons for children | not specified | 1 |
What does UNGRD say about water and food?
The kit should be prepared "with a reserve for at least 5 days" 1. For water, UNGRD gives no litres-per-person figure: it asks for a large, hermetically sealed bottle, bought bottled and renewed every year 1. Details are on our Colombia emergency supplies page, and our guide how much water per person compares international figures.
Is there a separate kit for pets?
Yes. The UNGRD guide includes a separate emergency kit checklist for pets, and advises finding out in advance which shelters the authorities have authorised for animals 1. See our guide on pets.
How do you keep the kit ready?
UNGRD says to review kits periodically and replace expired items, and to renew the water every year 1. Check medicines, prescriptions, batteries and document copies at the same time. Our guides on the 72-hour kit, first aid kit, important documents and emergency radio help with specific lines.
Turn this list into your plan
The official list above is the reference, and you can assemble everything on it yourself. The Phaenyx plan counts each line for your household, adds the risks around your home and comes with the Phaenyx Safe app. Build your Phaenyx plan.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need one kit per person?
The UNGRD checklist is a personal kit, and several lines are per person: medicines for each family member and one vaccination card copy per person 1.
Why does the list include a whistle and a radio?
Both are on the official checklist: a whistle, and a portable AM-FM radio with spare batteries 1. Colombia has no national siren or disaster cell-broadcast system in official sources, so radio and official channels matter; see our alerts page.
Why laminated copies of documents?
UNGRD asks for laminated copies of ID documents and property deeds, along with cash 1. Lamination protects them from water.
Sources
- Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD) — Guía de preparativos ante sismo — https://portal.gestiondelriesgo.gov.co/Documents/Guias/Guia-sismos-digital-f%20%285%29%20%282%29.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Colombia, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Unidad Nacional para la Gestión del Riesgo de Desastres (UNGRD) · Guía de preparativos ante sismo checked 2026-10-20