The basic needs deemed “critical”, for sheltering in place involves having food, water, shelter, and some form of comfort (temperature control). There is a longer list of resources you should have in a ‘basic shelter in place kit’ (see below), but at a minimum, a family should have 3 days of water and food on hand, plus the resources to be comfortable. FEMA recommends the following:

Water – one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking an sanitation.
Food – at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food such as canned food, bags of rice and/or beans.
Comfort – a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person (best ones are rated for freezing temperatures). Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Beyond these basic items we recommend that these items should also be included in your strategy:

A Communication Source – a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and/or battery-powered or hand crank radio and extra batteries.
A good first aid kit.
A package (or two) of moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties – for personal sanitation.
Backup lighting – a simple flashlight(s) with extra batteries
Cash money – ATM’s may not work or be available. So, having several hundred dollars of cash as a financial backup source is a good idea. Even though you may not or should not leave your shelter, having a backup stash of cash just makes good sense and serves as an option in case you need to ‘bug out’ or barter for something you might not have.
A can opener
A wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities, if necessary)
A whistle – to signal for help.
Dust masks for each family member – to help filter contaminated air, if necessary.
A supply of plastic sheeting and duct tape – for additional protection, if needed.

We are guessing that most of the items on this list are already in your home or domicile. However, if they are not, then the last thing you want to be doing is trying to gather them or find them (in the dark if a power outage) during an incident, or worse yet, if you need to go outside your home to purchase the missing items. Once gathered, we recommend that these basic items be placed in some sort of container (bag or plastic tote) so they can be easily accessed and found during a crisis.

Beyond these minimum items, each household needs to consider those items that will be needed under other circumstances. For example:

Do you have children living with you? If you do, you will need additional resources of food, water and the comfort items.
Do you have infants or toddlers living with you? If you do, you will need special resources for those youngsters.
Do you have grandparents, extended family members, or other individuals living with you and how do you plan to address their needs?
Do you have pets in the household? Will you be able to feed them and take care of their needs?

See our other shelter in place lists including:

Additional items to consider adding to a shelter in place kit.
Recommended items to consider if you have children or infants.
Recommended items to consider if you have extended family members or other individuals living with you.
Recommended items to consider if you have pets.

Minimal Shelter in Place Resources or Needs

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