top of page

Recommended Emergency Gear

At KBT Emergency Support Foundation (KBT-ESF), we share emergency preparedness tools based on field experience and general quality standards. Items listed here are not endorsements of specific products, but examples of equipment commonly recommended for reliability and safety. 

​

If you find this guide helpful, please consider making a small donation to help us continue supporting our communities. Contributions help cover operating costs and purchase preparedness and response supplies that are provided to the public during emergencies.

​

Your support helps us remain ready to serve before, during, and after critical events.

​

If you have ideas or suggestions for items to add to our list, please reach out. 

​

Important Note

​

The equipment and tools listed on this page are not a complete or universal checklist. Emergency preparedness needs vary widely based on location, hazards, climate, household size, medical needs, animals, and individual circumstances.
 

These recommendations are intended as general guidance and starting points, not an exhaustive list for every situation. Individuals and families should assess their own risks and adjust preparedness plans accordingly.

Air Quality & Respiratory Safety
(For wildfire smoke, industrial spills, ash, mold, and poor air events.)

  • HEPA air purifiers

  • N95 disposable masks / P100 reusable respirators

  • Replacement filters

  • Smoke-rated masks for children

  • FloMask Children’s N95 

  • Eye Protection

  • General Air purifier (Blueair Blue Pure 211+)

  • Air Quality Monitor (Airthings View Plus, Atmotube Pro)

Vehicle Safety & Roadside Emergency Gear
(For breakdowns, winter travel, evacuations, and rural response conditions.)

Note: Vehicle emergency gear should be checked seasonally and after long trips. Items should be appropriate for local climate, terrain, and vehicle type.

  • Seatbelt Glass breaker combo (RescueMe Glass Breaker + Seatbelt Cutter)

  • First Aid Kit

  • Compact Trauma Kit (training may be required)

  • LED road flares / Emergency road flares

  • Reflective triangles

  • High-lumen flashlight

  • Headlamp with extra batteries

  • Air compressor / inflator

  • Fire extinguisher (Class B/C or ABC)​

  • Rain poncho

  • Hand warmers

  • Waterproof bag for documents/phone

  • Waterproof boots or waders

  • Jumper cables / portable jump starters

  • Tire plug / repair kits

  • Reflective safety vests

  • Tow straps (rated, non-recovery)

  • Windshield ice scrapers & snow brushes

  • Traction aids (snow socks / chains where legal)

  • Folding Shovel

  • Rope

Communication & Alerts
(For isolation, coordination, and situational awareness.)

  • NOAA weather radios

  • GMRS/FRS/CB radios (License may be required)

  • Emergency alert radios

  • Extra batteries

  • Antennas/accessories

  • Power banks and phone chargers

  • Vehicle USB Chargers

  • Cell phone signal boosters

  • Printed emergency contact list

Water Safety & Purification
(For boil advisories, flooding, infrastructure failure.)

  • Gravity-fed water filters

  • Portable pump filters

  • Water purification tablets

  • Collapsible water containers

  • Emergency water storage

  • Test strips (water quality)

  • Water filter replacement parts 

  • Unsented bleach (water disinfectent follow local and public health guidelines)

  • Personal Flotation device

  • ​Water bottles

  • Throw rope / throw bag (rescue throw line, not general rope)

  • Waterproof headlamp or flashlight

  • Waders or waterproof boots (use with caution in moving water)

  • Dry bags / waterproof phone pouch

  • Work gloves (debris, broken glass)

  • High-visibility vest (night/traffic/water crossings)

Power, Lighting & Energy
(For outages, winter storms, rural isolation.)

  • Solar power banks (Jackery)

  • Battery banks (high-capacity)

  • Hand-crank / solar radios

  • LED lanterns

  • Headlamps

  • Extension cords / power strips (rated)

  • Rechargable batteries

  • 12 volt vehicle inverter

  • Spare light bulbs for flashlights

Medical & First Aid
(Please keep in mind your current medical skill level before purchasing or using any medical equipment.)

(Basic First Aid)

  • First aid kits (MyMedic)

  • Masks

  • Wound care supplies

  • Gloves

  • Thermal blankets (Mylar or wool)

Trauma Care (Training Recommended)

  • Trauma kits (basic)

  • Tourniquet (CAT or SOFT-T Wide training recommended)

  • Pressure dressing

  • Chest seal

Evacuation & Go-Bags
For fast-moving events (fires, floods, lahars).

  • Go-bag backpacks

  • Fire-resistant document bags

  • Emergency cash holders

  • Multi-tools

  • Whistles

  • ID tags

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Extra batteries or power bank

  • Basic first aid kit

  • Emergency blankets

  • N95 masks or respirators 

  • Work gloves

  • Sturdy footwear (closed-toe)

  • Printed emergency contacts & evacuation plans

  • Copies of ID, insurance, and prescriptions

  • Permanent marker (Sharpie)

  • Phone charger cable

  • Compact hygiene kit

  • Snacks / water pouches

  • High-capacity power banks

  • Glow sticks for kids

  • Utility Knife

  • Duct Tape

  • Notebook 

  • Sharpies

Food & Sustenance
(For short- to mid-term disruption.)

  • Emergency food kits

  • MRE-style meals

  • Camp stoves (approved for indoor use; follow manufacturer guidance)

  • Fuel canisters

  • Manual can openers

  • No-cook food options (protein bars, ready-to-eat meals)

  • Reusable eating utensils

  • Lightweight cookware 

  • Food-safe water for cooking 

  • Coolers or insulated food storage 

  • Fire-safe cooking surface or heat-resistant mat

  • Meal planning notes (dietary needs, allergies)

Winter & Severe Weather Gear
(For snowstorms, ice, exposure risk.)

  • Thermal blankets

  • Hand/foot warmers

  • Snow shovels

  • Ice traction cleats

  • Weatherproof gloves

  • Insulated hats (beanie/watch cap)

  • Waterproof insulated boots

  • Layered cold-weather clothing (base + insulation)

  • Windproof / waterproof outer shell

  • Scarves or neck gaiters

  • Reflective outerwear or vests

  • Emergency bivy or shelter

  • Extra socks (wool or synthetic)

  • Snow melt / ice melt (pet-safe where needed)

  • Folding snow shovel (vehicle-specific)

Home & Property Protection
(For mitigation before responders arrive.)

  • Fire extinguishers (ABC)

  • Sump pumps

  • Water leak alarms

  • Water storage bricks​​

  • Smoke/CO combo detectors

  • Fire extinguisher mounting brackets

  • Backup sump pump (battery-powered)

  • Automatic water shutoff valves

  • Surge protectors (whole-home or outlet-level)

  • Pry bar for debris removal

Pet & Livestock Emergency Supplies
(For pets and Livestock.)

  • Pet evacuation carriers (labeled with animal and person info)

  • Emergency pet food (3 to 7 days or more)

  • Leashes or halters (plus spares)

  • Livestock first aid basics

  • Go-bag for pets

  • Collapsible bowls

  • Pet first aid kit

  • Waterproof ID tags

  • Printed photo of pet for identification

  • Pet rescue window decal

  • Medications and prescriptions (labeled)

  • Comfort item (toy/blanket)

  • Waste bags / litter supplies

Community & Accessibility Needs
(For those around you.)

  • Mobility aids

  • Battery-powered medical device backups

  • Large-print emergency guides

  • Child-specific safety gear

  • Hearing assistance devices (visual/vibration alerts, amplified radios)

  • Extra prescription storage (labeled)

  • Cooling or warming aids (for heat/cold sensitivity)

  • Communication cards (medical needs, allergies)

  • Caregiver contact information sheets

EDC
(Every day carry.)

  • Compact flashlight

  • Pocket knife or utility knife

  • Multi-tool

  • Mini first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care)

  • Phone charging cable + small power bank

  • Lighter or waterproof matches

  • Pen + small notebook

  • Permanent marker (Sharpie)

  • Compact duct tape wrap (flat-wrapped)

  • N95 mask (smoke/dust)

  • Disposable gloves

  • Cash (small bills)

  • Emergency contact card (printed)

  • Whistle

  • Small zip bags (documents/receipts)

  • Compact rain poncho

bottom of page