When disaster strikes, preparation matters. Whether your family needs to evacuate or shelter at home, having an emergency kit ensures a safer, faster response. The good news? Many of the items you’ll need are likely already in your home.

This guide will help you start fresh or update an existing kit so your household is ready when it counts.

Based on guidance from sources like Ready.gov and the American Red Cross, consider:

• Water & food – Three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply if staying home
• Radio – NOAA Weather Radio for storm updates
• Light – Flashlights with extra batteries
• Tools – Multipurpose tool such as a Swiss Army knife
• Health – Personal hygiene items, seven-day supply of prescriptions, complete first-aid kit
• Clothing – Three days of clothing for each person
• Cash & fuel – Small bills recommended, along with a safe fuel reserve
• Sanitation – Baby wipes, bleach, or similar disinfecting supplies

Even seasoned Floridians sometimes forget these essentials:

• Pet supplies (food, leashes, medications)
• Manual can opener (for canned goods)
• Local maps (if GPS or cell service fails)
• Over-the-counter medicines (pain relief, allergy meds, antacids)
• Bug spray & sunscreen (more time outdoors is common after storms)
• Fire extinguisher
• Extra cash (at least $250 in smaller bills)
• Backup glasses or contacts
• Comfort items (books, games, or toys for children)

Keep originals in a waterproof container and maintain a digital backup on a flash drive or in the cloud. Suggested items include:

• Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
• Passports, driver’s licenses, Social Security cards
• Property deeds, leases, mortgage and insurance documents
• Financial records such as pay stubs, account details, tax forms
• Health insurance cards, medical records, and medication lists

Every household is unique. As you plan, consider the special needs of your family:

• Cooler and ice packs for medicines that require refrigeration
• Backup cane, walker, or wheelchair
• Communication aids such as laminated cards, pen and paper
• Device instructions and serial numbers for medical equipment
• Comfort items to help children or anxious family members stay calm
• Quiet space considerations if evacuating to a shelter

For more detailed planning tools, visit:

• Ready.gov
• American Red Cross
• Florida Division of Emergency Management

And remember—having the right insurance coverage is another layer of preparation.

Contact Comegys Insurance Agency today to review your policies and confirm your family has coverage options in place that can help before, during, and after a storm.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice and is not a guarantee or offer of coverage. Coverage availability, terms, limits, and pricing vary by carrier, policy, location, and applicable law. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed insurance professional and, for lease/contract language, your attorney.