Chapter 2 · Your emergency kit
2.4 Quantity summary: per person and per pet, 14 days
| Item | Total amount | How it's calculated |
|---|---|---|
| Water for people | 14 gal (53 L) | 1 gal x people x 14 days |
| Water for pets | ~2.6 gal (10 L) per ~15 lb (7 kg) dog | Each dog x ~0.19 gal x 14 days; adjust for your pets' weight |
| Extra water for heat (summer) | Up to double | Reserve in the bathtub and collapsible water jugs when you get a warning |
| Food for people | ~28,000 kcal per person (14 person-days) | See table 2.3 |
| Dog food | Daily ration from the label x dogs x 14 days, + 3 days | In an airtight container |
| Prescription medications | As much as your doctor and pharmacy will allow you to get ahead | The American Red Cross asks for at least 7 days in the kit |
| Heavy-duty trash bags (contractor grade) | 1–2 boxes | Trash + emergency toilet (chapter 21) |
| Toilet paper | Normal 2-week use + extra | Check how much your household uses in a month |
| Wet wipes | Several large packs | Hygiene without water |
| Unscented bleach | 1 gallon | Disinfect and, in an emergency, make water safe to drink (chapter 3) |
| Disposable plates, cups, and utensils | ~42 sets per person | 42 meals per person: you save wash water |
| Batteries | All flashlights and radios with one set installed and one spare set | Using the same size for everything (AA) simplifies things |
| Cash | Several days of expenses (section 2.11) | Small bills |
