Guide
Build a Basic Weather Emergency Kit
Severe storms can knock out power and water for days. Ready.gov recommends a basic kit you can grab quickly.
Basic kit checklist
- Water: one gallon per person per day for several days.
- Food: several days' supply of non-perishable food, and a manual can opener.
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
- A flashlight, a first-aid kit and extra batteries.
- A whistle to signal for help, and a dust mask.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation.
- A wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, and local maps.
- A cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
Don't forget
Prescription medicines, glasses, pet supplies, and copies of important documents. Check your kit and replace expired items regularly.
Shopping ideas: see our weather gear page.
Related guides
Your World Weather Radar
The app's free Off-Grid Safety tab helps you text your saved location to emergency contacts, by satellite if your phone supports it. Carrier message and data rates may apply.
Sources
Sister app
Hunt smarter with Your World Hunt
- 🧭 Hunting map with GPS return and directions
- 💨 Wind, barometric pressure, moon and sun times, plus deer feeding times (Premium)
- 🗺️ Trip Planner with Ask Hawk and Top spots: public refuges and private lodges near you
- 🎧 Guides with a Listen button, in English and Spanish
Last reviewed November 2026. General information only; follow official guidance in an emergency.