2-Week Readiness Kit Checklist
Your printable, step-by-step checklist for building a complete 14-day emergency kit.
Build a practical 14-day emergency kit with clear, printable checklists for water, food, tools, communication, and household-specific needs.
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☐ Step 1:
Water
Water is one of the most important parts of a 2-week kit. Plan for at least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and basic sanitation and make sure your storage works for your space and household size.
Checklist
  • 1 gallon of water per person per day (minimum 14 gallons per person for 2 weeks)
  • Durable water storage containers or commercially sealed bottles
  • Water purification tablets for emergency water treatment
  • Portable water filter for backup water treatment
  • Collapsible water containers or extra bottles for transport and daily use
  • Unscented household chlorine bleach (use only according to label or official emergency water-disinfection guidance)
  • Additional water for pets based on household needs

Pro Tip: Rotate stored water regularly, check containers for leaks or damage, and use a mix of sealed bottles and stackable containers when possible.

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☐ Step 2:
Food
Choose shelf-stable, easy-to-prepare foods that can support your household for two weeks. Aim for enough variety, calories, and familiarity to make the kit practical and usable.
Checklist
  • Ready-to-eat items: Shelf-stable meals, canned meals, or other no-prep options
  • Canned staples: Beans, tuna, chicken, soups, and other shelf-stable basics your household uses
  • Shelf-stable meal options that are easy to store and prepare
  • Easy snacks: Granola bars, trail mix, peanut butter, crackers, or dried fruit
  • Comfort items: Coffee, tea, chocolate, or other familiar staples
  • Manual can opener (do not rely on electric models)
  • Basic eating supplies if needed
  • Napkins, paper towels, or cleanup supplies

Household Reminder: Choose foods your household will actually use. Account for allergies, dietary needs, and comfort items that make a longer disruption more manageable.
Rotate stored food regularly, use a first-in, first-out approach, and replace expired items as needed.

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☐ Step 3:
Home Warmth & Protection
Over a two-week disruption, staying warm, dry, and protected at home becomes a core household need. Focus on layers, blankets, dry sleeping arrangements, and simple ways to reduce heat loss or improve comfort if power is limited.
Home Warmth Checklist
  • Extra blankets or thermal blankets for each household member
  • Warm sleeping bags or extra bedding if home heat may be limited
  • Plastic sheeting or draft blockers for temporary weatherproofing
  • Weather-appropriate outerwear for going outside if needed
  • Extra seasonal clothing layers for each household member
  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots
Helpful Additions
  • Hand warmers for cold-weather outages if relevant
  • Wool or synthetic warm hat and gloves
  • Extra warm socks (2 to 3 pairs per person)
  • Insulating ground pad or foam sleeping mat
  • Sleeping pads or extra cushioning for cold floors if needed
  • Heavy-duty bags for cleanup, storage, or temporary protection
These items help your household stay warmer, drier, and more comfortable during an extended outage or service disruption. For most households, the priority is improving conditions at home rather than preparing for outdoor shelter.

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☐ Step 4:
Household Tools & Essentials
These tools help your household stay functional during an extended disruption. Focus on lighting, sanitation, basic repairs, and simple backup items that make daily life easier when services are limited.
Checklist
Light & Power
  • LED flashlight (durable, waterproof)
  • Extra batteries: 14-day supply (match flashlight type)
  • Hand-crank or rechargeable backup light
  • Battery lantern or backup area light
Basic Repair Tools
  • Basic multi-tool or household repair tool
  • Duct tape (1 small roll)
  • Utility cord or rope
  • Work gloves
Medical & Hygiene
  • First aid kit (bandages, gauze, antiseptic, tape, tweezers, pain relievers)
  • Supply of hygiene items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant
  • Sanitation wipes and hand sanitizer (large supply)
  • Supply of toilet paper and waste bags
  • Feminine hygiene products as needed
Useful Backup Items
  • Lighter or matches for backup cooking if needed
  • Whistle for emergency signaling
  • Spare batteries or charging accessories
  • Notebook and pen for household notes or updates

Checklist Tip: Test key items before storing them, and replace batteries, expired supplies, or damaged gear during routine maintenance.

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☐ Step 5:
Communication
During a two-week disruption, your household needs reliable ways to receive updates, stay in touch, and access critical information. Focus on backup power, written contact details, and simple communication tools that still work when internet or cell service is limited.
Checklist
  • Weather radio with battery or hand-crank power
  • Extra batteries for weather radio (14-day supply)
  • Charged power bank and phone charging cables
  • Solar charger or other backup charging option for longer outages
  • Written contact list kept outside your phone
  • Out-of-area contact your household can check in with
  • Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag (IDs, insurance, medical records)
  • Local map or printed directions in case digital navigation is unavailable
  • Pen and notepad for updates or instructions
  • Written household emergency plan with meeting points and routes
Keep key communication items charged, tested, and easy to access. In longer disruptions, written contacts, backup power, and a reliable weather radio can matter more than convenience apps or internet access.

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☐ Step 6:
Customize Your Kit
Every household has different medical needs, ages, routines, and responsibilities. Use this section to add the supplies that make your 2-week kit more realistic, more usable, and better matched to the people in your care.
Medical Needs
  • 14-day supply of all prescription medications
  • Copies of prescriptions and key medical contact information
  • Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses + solution
  • Medical devices (inhaler, EpiPen, glucose monitor + extra supplies)
  • Over-the-counter medications your household uses
Infants & Children
  • Formula, baby food, bottles, and feeding supplies for 14 days
  • Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream, a 14-day supply
  • Comfort items for children
  • Age-appropriate activities, books, or games
Elderly Members
  • Mobility aids and assistive devices
  • Extra warm clothing and blankets
  • Large-print instructions if needed
  • Hearing aid batteries for 14 days
  • Denture care supplies as needed

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Household-Specific Needs
Pets
  • Pet food and water for 14 days
  • Leash, collar, and carrier or crate
  • Vaccination records, ID tags, and basic pet documents
  • Waste bags and pet medications for 14 days
  • Familiar comfort items for pets
Comfort Items
  • Books, cards, or small games
  • Favorite snacks or familiar treats
  • Photos or small personal keepsakes
  • Cash in small bills
  • Journal or notebook
  • Stress-relief items such as puzzles, coloring books, or music playlists

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Complete Kit at a Glance
Quick Review
Use this summary page to quickly review your 2-week kit by category. Each section should be stocked, tested, and ready to use.
Use it as a final check before storage or revisit it during routine maintenance.
Water
Water for 14 days, stackable containers, purification options, and a portable water treatment option
Food
Ready-to-eat items, canned staples, shelf-stable snacks, a manual can opener, and enough food for your household.
Home Warmth & Protection
Extra blankets or thermal blankets, warm bedding, draft blockers, outerwear, extra seasonal layers, and sturdy shoes or boots.
Household Tools & Essentials
Flashlight, extra batteries, backup light, basic repair tools, first aid kit, hygiene supplies, and useful backup items.
Communication
Weather radio, charged power bank, backup charging option, written contacts, printed directions, and document copies.
Personal & Family
Prescription medications, infant or pet supplies, household-specific items, comfort items, and cash in small bills.

A 2-week kit is only as strong as its weakest category. If one area is incomplete, address it before your next review.

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Maintenance Schedule
Review it regularly so food, water, medications, batteries, and household-specific supplies stay current and complete.
Audit
Identify gaps, expired items, or damaged supplies
Restock
Replace or add items before they become urgent
Educate
Make sure household members know where the kit is and how to use it
Practice
Review basic emergency steps and household procedures
Review Checklist
  • Check food and water dates; rotate or replace items as needed
  • Test flashlights, radios, and battery-powered devices
  • Verify medications are current and refill household supplies as needed
  • Update emergency contact list with any new numbers or addresses
  • Refresh copies of important documents (IDs, insurance, medical records)
  • Ensure clothing and shoes still fit all household members
  • Recharge and test power banks or backup chargers
  • Confirm all household members know where the kit is stored
  • Review pet, infant, or household-specific supplies and update as needed
  • Restock hygiene and sanitation supplies as needed
  • Conduct a brief household walkthrough of the kit and emergency plan

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Safety & Practical Tips
A 2-week kit works best when it is stored well, easy to access, and familiar to your household. Use these tips to protect important items, improve usability, and make routine review easier.
Storage Tips
  • Store food and water in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life
  • Label items with purchase or expiration dates
  • Keep the kit off the ground to prevent water damage
  • Use clear bins or color-coded bags for quick identification
  • Use durable, waterproof containers where needed
  • Use a dedicated shelf, closet, or cabinet when possible
Document Protection
  • Store IDs, insurance cards, and medical information in waterproof storage
  • Keep digital copies of key documents in a secure backup location
  • Include a printed emergency plan with contacts and meeting points
  • Keep a current household inventory list updated with each review
Practice & Familiarity
  • Test key tools like your can opener, radio, and backup lights before you need them
  • Practice using less-familiar items before storing them away
  • Ensure every household member can locate and open the kit independently
  • Review printed directions and local emergency resources
  • Walk household members through the kit and emergency plan regularly

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Make the Kit Fit Your Household
HOUSEHOLD CUSTOMIZATION
This checklist is a foundation, not a one-size-fits-all plan. Adjust your 2-week kit for your household size, medical needs, pets, diet, climate, and local risks.
Focus on what your household would actually use during an extended disruption. Update quantities, rotate supplies, and keep important items easy to access.
Use trusted local guidance when needed, especially for weather, medical needs, evacuation planning, and regional risks.
A well-maintained kit is more useful than a perfect one. Review it regularly, keep it practical, and build from what your household already needs.
For additional guidance, use trusted sources such as Ready.gov, your local emergency management office, and healthcare professionals when appropriate.

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