NASA satellite view of a large hurricane representing a hurricane emergency pack

Reading the news some days can be pretty depressing: earthquakes, floods, oil spills, tropical storms, and other disasters are devastating. There’s not much you can do to prevent some of these events from occurring. But you can minimize their impact on your home and your family by assembling an emergency pack with the things you’re likely to need in the event of a mandatory evacuation.

An emergency pack should include the following:

  • Driver’s License, Cash, and Credit cards
  • Insurance documents
  • Mobile phone and charger
  • Wills and Powers of Attorney
  • Passport
  • Stock Certificates
  • Investment Information
  • Bank account numbers
  • Pictures of the contents of your home and office
  • Prescriptions
  • Hand sanitizer, eye drops
  • Personal phone book
  • Light sticks
  • Heavy-duty gloves, masks
  • Crank flashlight/radio
  • Giant Ziploc bags
  • Keys to your home(s), safe deposit box, office, and car(s)

The contents of the pack will vary, depending on the type of emergency. I recommend ordering a waterproof container (search Amazon using terms like waterproof-pack, waterproof case, or aqua pack) and placing the items inside, along with a printed list of the contents. When packing the waterproof case, remember to be realistic about what you can carry and what is really necessary.

In addition, you’ll need 3-day emergency supplies, including vacuum-sealed envelopes of food and bottled water for your family, as well as an emergency plan for your pets.

Once you have put your emergency pack together, you’ll feel a great sense of relief knowing that you are better prepared.


Want more organization + inspiration? Continue reading Managing Modern Life® articles.