Short answer. FEMA's Ready.gov lists 14 items for a basic emergency supply kit meant to let you survive on your own for several days 1. Only water (one gallon per person per day, for several days) and non-perishable food (at least a several-day supply) carry quantities 1. The other 12 items, from a NOAA Weather Radio to a manual can opener, have no quantity attached 1.
What is on the official Ready.gov list?
Ready.gov introduces the list with: "A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:" 1
| # | Item | Official quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Water, for drinking and sanitation | One gallon per person per day for several days 1 |
| 2 | Non-perishable food | At least a several-day supply 1 |
| 3 | Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert | Not specified 1 |
| 4 | Flashlight | Not specified 1 |
| 5 | First aid kit | Not specified 1 |
| 6 | Extra batteries | Not specified 1 |
| 7 | Whistle (to signal for help) | Not specified 1 |
| 8 | Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) | Not specified 1 |
| 9 | Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place) | Not specified 1 |
| 10 | Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation) | Not specified 1 |
| 11 | Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities) | Not specified 1 |
| 12 | Manual can opener (for food) | Not specified 1 |
| 13 | Local maps | Not specified 1 |
| 14 | Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery | Not specified 1 |
How do I size the kit for my household?
Ready.gov gives no fixed number of days, only "several days" 1. To size the water, multiply one gallon by the number of people and by the number of days you choose 1. The food quantity is stated only as "at least a several-day supply" 1. For the other items, the official list leaves the quantity to you 1.
Our U.S. emergency supplies page explains these figures, and the general guides cover water per person, food shelf life and pets.
Why are some items on the list?
Ready.gov states a purpose for several items: the whistle to signal for help, the dust mask to help filter contaminated air, the plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place, the towelettes, garbage bags and ties for personal sanitation, the wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and the manual can opener for food 1. The radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert connect the kit to official warnings, described on our U.S. alerts page.
Frequently asked questions
How many items are on the Ready.gov basic kit list?
Fourteen lines, some grouping several objects, such as plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape 1.
Which items have an official quantity?
Only water, one gallon per person per day for several days, and non-perishable food, at least a several-day supply 1.
Does the list include a radio?
Yes: a battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert 1.
Sources
- FEMA / Ready.gov — Build A Kit — https://www.ready.gov/kit (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for United States, 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
- FEMA / Ready.gov · Build A Kit checked 2026-10-20