Create Your Own Disaster Preparedness Kit

This post was originally published on DIY Network’s blog Made + Remade in May 2013.

It’s easy to make your own disaster preparedness kit using simple household necessities and a small rolling suitcase. For our family, it’s great knowing that all we’ll have to do in an emergency is pull our prepared suitcase out of the closet on our way out of the house. Learn more about what to include in a kit in my companion post, and see how I made mine below.

Step 1 

In the front pouch of our suitcase, I packed photocopies of important documents, extra sets of car and house keys, two flashlights and extra batteries.

Step 2 

Inside the suitcase, I packed a ready-to-go first-aid kit.

Step 3 

I also added travel-sized tissue packs and wet wipes, extra toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Step 4 

For food, I included peanut butter, tuna fish, soup, granola bars and canned fruit. Don’t forget to include a can opener if you’ll need one, or choose all pull-top or twist-off cans.

Step 5

We included a gallon of water as well as several smaller water bottles.

Step 6

These extra socks and blankets should help keep us warm in the event of an emergency.

Step 7

I also included a bowl and some extra food for the canine member of our family.