Don't be put off by the large number of items on recommended for an emergency kit. You can assemble kits over time, and something is better than nothing!

Many of you already have the makings of your kit already in your home. All you need to do is get a box, a five gallon pail, or a plastic storage bin and start putting items in it. In a few cases, you may wish to purchase items as you make your normal grocery and hardware purchases to add to it.

Some of you may prefer to purchase pre-assembled kits, available in various sizes (for different size of families) and with different components in them. Such kits are available online (search "disaster supplies"), non-profit organizations such as The American Red Cross, and in local hardware and outdoor stores.