Create a Home Emergency Kit

Emergencies happen. Whether you are faced with a storm, a natural disaster or an extended power outage, here’s a list of items you should have in your home emergency kit:

  • Home Emergency KitFlashlight, radio & fresh batteries
  • Battery operated clock
  • Lantern or candles & matches
  • One gallon of water per person per day for drinking & cooking
  • Blankets, sleeping bags & warm clothes
  • Dry firewood & kindling if you have a woodstove or fireplace to use it safely
  • Nonperishable food items that require little or no cooking, such as instant soup & snack bars
  • Camp stove or barbecue for outdoor cooking
  • First aid kit
  • Supply of prescription medicines
  • Playing cards, games & books to help pass the time
  • You should also keep a smaller kit in your car.

Make a Family Communications Plan

Create a family emergency communications plan and make sure everyone in your family knows what to do in an emergency. Learn how to create your family communications plan.

Get to Know Your Neighborhood

To  prepare for earthquakes or other significant natural disasters, we recommend helping your neighborhood prepare by following the steps outlined in this Map Your Neighborhood Discussion Guide.

Other Resources

Download a copy of Together We Prepare Oregon (PDF), an emergency preparedness brochure from the American Red Cross, Oregon Trail Chapter. (Adobe PDF file, 2 MB)

For Customers With Special Needs

Download a copy of Disaster Preparedness for People with Special Needs and Persons Age 65 and Older (PDF), from the American Red Cross. (Adobe PDF file, 23.6 MB)

Other Links

For more information about creating a home emergency kit, contact: