2.11 Cash

Without power, ATMs, card terminals, and phone payments don't work. Ready.gov and the American Red Cross include cash in the basic kit.

• Small bills ($1, $5, $10, and $20): nobody will have change.
• Amount: there is no official figure. Calculate what several days of gas, food, and one or two nights in a hotel would cost for your family, and keep at least that.
• Spread it out: some in each 72-hour bag and some in a hidden spot in the home. Not all in one place.
• Don't spend it on normal purchases; if you use it, replace it that same week.
• Also keep a credit card with available balance for the evacuation.