The New Yorker’s viral July article has a lot of people talking about emergency preparation. If a national disaster strikes in your area, will you and your family be prepared?

As a rule of thumb for planning an emergency survival kit, remember that the federal government expects the public to be self-sufficient for 72 hours. In case of catastrophe, help or rescue may not even arrive until then. Having basic supplies ready is key in this scenario.

The Red Cross generated a list of items that every household should include in their emergency kits:

•  Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

•  Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

•  Flashlight [Available on the Red Cross Store]

•  Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) [Available on the Red Cross Store]

•  Extra batteries

•  First aid kit [Available on the Red Cross Store]

•  Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

•  Multi-purpose tool

•  Sanitation and personal hygiene items

•  Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

•  Cell phone with chargers

•  Family and emergency contact information

•  Extra cash

•  Emergency blanket [Available on the Red Cross Store]

•  Map(s) of the area

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP