Ready-Made Emergency Kits for Storms, Blackouts, and Go Bags
When the power goes out or a storm strikes fast, there’s no time to gather gear. That’s why having ready-made emergency kits on hand can be the difference between calm and chaos.
This guide covers what to expect from a pre-assembled kit, how to pick the right one for your family, and where to store it so it’s always ready to go.
Table of Contents
- Why Ready-Made Kits Make Sense
- Types of Emergency Kits Available
- What to Look for in a Quality Kit
- Supplementing Your Kit With Personal Needs
- Best Places to Store Emergency Kits
- Final Recap + Checklist CTA
- FAQs
Why Ready-Made Kits Make Sense
In an emergency, speed and simplicity matter. A good pre-packed kit eliminates the guesswork and ensures you have essentials like food, light, first aid, and backup power in one place. Both Ready.gov and Red Cross recommend keeping at least one ready-to-go kit per household.
Types of Emergency Kits Available
- 72-Hour Kits: Include shelf-stable food, water pouches, lights, tools, and emergency blankets
- First Aid Kits: From basic bandages to trauma-focused options
- Car Emergency Kits: Jumper cables, flashlights, blankets, and road flares
- Power Outage Kits: Lanterns, batteries, charging cables, and backup radios
What to Look for in a Quality Kit
- Food and water for 3+ days (check expiration dates)
- Multiple light sources (flashlight, glow sticks, lantern)
- Chargers or power banks (manual or solar-powered)
- Basic medical supplies (plus instructions)
- Weather-specific items: ponchos, hand warmers, space blankets
- Enough supplies for the whole household
Supplementing Your Kit With Personal Needs
No kit can cover every detail of your life. Be sure to add:
- Prescription medications
- Feminine care or diapers
- Comfort food or caffeine
- Pet supplies (leash, food, waste bags)
- Photocopies of ID, insurance cards, and emergency contacts
Best Places to Store Emergency Kits
- Hall closets (easy to grab)
- Under beds or inside weatherproof bins
- Car trunk for roadside emergencies
- Garage shelf with climate protection
Mark the container clearly, and set a yearly reminder to check for expired supplies.
Final Recap
Ready-made emergency kits save time and stress when every second counts. Start with one, then personalize it. Your future self will thank you.
✅ Want to make sure you’re fully covered? Download the Free Storm-Ready Checklist
FAQs
What’s the best ready-made emergency kit for families?
Look for 72-hour kits with enough supplies for each family member, including food, water, first aid, and lighting. Choose one with flexible storage and trusted reviews.
Do I still need to add items to a pre-packed emergency kit?
Yes. Personal items like medications, baby gear, and important documents should be added to every ready-made emergency kit.
How often should I check my emergency kits?
Inspect your kits once a year to check food and battery expiration dates, replenish any used supplies, and update contact information.