The supplies official guidance lists for home, grouped by step, with what to check before you buy.
You may already own most of them.
How to use this pageStart with what you already have. Buy only what is missing, and check the listing before you do.Lists from Ready.gov (Build a Kit, Power Outages, Water) and the CDC.
We add specific products only after checking their certification listings, recall history and return
policy. Every product link on this page is labeled, and each one earns us a commission if you buy.
Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Cards marked "Specs checked" mean we checked the listing, certification and recall history, not that we tested the product.
Step 1: Water storage
Water containers
Why: store at least one gallon per person, per day, for several days (Ready.gov).
Look for: food-grade water storage containers. Wash with dish soap and sanitize
before filling (Ready.gov).
Or: buy commercially bottled water and keep it sealed in its original container, somewhere
cool and dark (Ready.gov).
Keep in mind: water that is not commercially bottled should be replaced every six months
(Ready.gov).
Ready.gov says to use food-grade water storage containers and to store at least one gallon per person per day. Seven gallons covers one person for a week.
What we checked
Manufacturer says food safe (LFGB certified, FDA compliant), BPA-free and PFAS-free. No recall for this product in the US CPSC database.
Still open
We have not seen the manufacturer's test report. The brand line on the Amazon listing shows a different company name than the product title, so check the seller before you buy.
Ready.gov says to store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, in food-grade containers. Seven gallons covers one person for a week.
What we checked
Manufacturer says food safe (LFGB certified, FDA compliant), BPA-free and PFAS-free. No recall for this product line in the US CPSC database.
Still open
We have not seen the test report the manufacturer cites, only the citation.
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 2: Making water safer
Household bleach (for when you cannot boil)
Why: Ready.gov describes using regular liquid household bleach when boiling is not possible.
Look for: regular liquid bleach with 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite on the label.
Skip: scented, color-safe, or bleach with added cleaners (Ready.gov).
No product listed here yet. We add one only after it passes the checks above.
Portable water filters
Know the limit: portable filters do not remove all germs and do not remove viruses. Add a
disinfectant after filtering (CDC).
Look for: a certification listing (for example NSF/ANSI standards) that matches exactly what
the filter claims to remove. Check the listing, not just the box.
Skip: filters that claim to make any water safe without saying what they were tested for.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter (straw), 1 pack
Specs checkedAmazon affiliate linkNew
Why it fits
The CDC says portable filters do not remove viruses and that filtered water should be disinfected. This filter states what it was tested for (bacteria and parasites) and makes no virus claim.
What we checked
Manufacturer data sheet says it meets US EPA and NSF P231 protocols for bacteria and parasites, rated up to 1,000 gallons. No recall in the US CPSC database.
Still open
We did not find an NSF certification listing; the standard claim is the manufacturer's. It does not remove viruses, so disinfect after filtering.
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Sawyer Products SP129 Squeeze Water Filtration System (two 32-oz pouches)
Specs checkedAmazon affiliate linkNew
Why it fits
The CDC says portable filters do not remove viruses and that filtered water should be disinfected. This filter cites a lab report for bacteria and protozoa and makes no virus claim.
What we checked
Manufacturer page cites an independent lab report (0.1 micron, bacteria and protozoa) and a lifetime limited warranty. No recall in the US CPSC database.
Still open
The manufacturer page names no NSF or EPA standard and we have not seen the lab report. It does not remove viruses, so disinfect after filtering.
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Step 3: The first hours of an outage
Carbon monoxide alarms
Why: install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on every level of your home
(Ready.gov).
Look for: battery backup, and a safety certification listing for CO alarms (in the US,
UL 2034). Check the CPSC recall database before buying.
First Alert CO605 Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup (sold as CO605 / CO605XP; First Alert page also labels it CO606)
Specs checkedAmazon affiliate linkNew
Why it fits
Ready.gov says to install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on every level of your home. This is a plug-in alarm with battery backup.
What we checked
Manufacturer manual lists UL 2034 (single and multiple station CO alarms), with a 7-year limited warranty. No recall in the US CPSC database names this model.
Still open
Model names vary between sources (CO605, CO605XP, CO606), and older versions used a different backup battery, so confirm the battery type on the package. We did not check a certification directory.
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Alarm, Plug-In with AA Backup Battery and digital display, model COPD (ordering no. 21033779)
Specs checkedAmazon affiliate linkNew
Why it fits
Ready.gov says to install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup on every level of your home. This plug-in alarm has two AA backup batteries.
What we checked
Manufacturer data sheet says it meets UL 2034 and NFPA 72, with a 10-year limited warranty. No recall in the US CPSC database names this model.
Still open
The certification claim comes from the manufacturer; we did not check a certification directory. The listing offers several pack sizes, so check what is in your cart. The data sheet says to use alkaline AA batteries, not lithium.
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Streamlight ProTac 2AA-X USB flashlight, model 88135 (black)
Specs checkedAmazon affiliate linkNew
Why it fits
Ready.gov's kit list includes a flashlight and extra batteries. This one runs on two AA batteries or on the USB-C rechargeable pack that comes with it.
What we checked
Manufacturer lists 270 lumens (about 2.5 hours on high with AA batteries). No recall in the US CPSC database.
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kit basics (Ready.gov Build a Kit)
Emergency radio
Why: Ready.gov lists a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
Look for: NOAA Weather Radio reception with a tone alert, and more than one way to power it.
Midland ER310 Emergency Crank Weather AM/FM Radio
Specs checkedAmazon affiliate linkNew
Why it fits
Ready.gov's kit list includes a battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. This one has a NOAA weather alert, hand crank, solar panel, USB charging and AA backup.
What we checked
Manufacturer page lists NOAA weather alert, hand crank, solar and USB charging, and six AA backup. No recall for this model in the US CPSC database.
Still open
We found no Public Alert certification claim and no S.A.M.E. county coding. Sources disagree on battery capacity (2600 or 3500 mAh).
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Midland WR120B NOAA Weather and Emergency Alert Radio
Specs checkedAmazon affiliate linkNew
Why it fits
Ready.gov's kit list includes a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert. This is a plug-in alert radio with battery backup. It has no hand crank or solar panel.
What we checked
Manufacturer page lists Public Alert certification, S.A.M.E. county alerts, AC power and three AA backup batteries. No recall for this model in the US CPSC database.
Still open
The AA batteries are not included. We did not check the Public Alert certification list ourselves.
Checked 2026-10-14. We have not tested this product. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Phone charging
Why: Ready.gov lists a cell phone with chargers and a backup battery.
Look for: a power bank with a safety certification listing, and the cables your phones use.
Keep it charged and check it on a set day.
No product listed here yet. We add one only after it passes the checks above.
Small items that are easy to forget
First aid kit, whistle, dust mask, manual can opener, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, moist
towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties, local maps (Ready.gov Build a Kit).
Fire extinguisher, matches in a waterproof container, a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
(Ready.gov additional supplies).
No product listed here yet. We add one only after it passes the checks above.
Keep it working
Replace expired items as needed, and reassess your needs every year (Ready.gov).
Store canned food in a cool, dry place and boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers (Ready.gov).
Ready Home Guide