Written by Clear Restoration | Published on June 2025
A solid home disaster preparedness kit should hold at least 72 hours of essential supplies, including one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, first aid materials, important documents, and basic tools. Most emergency management experts now recommend building toward a 2-week supply if possible.
This guide covers every category you need, with specific tips for homeowners in Annapolis, Columbia, Glen Burnie, Edgewater, and surrounding communities in Anne Arundel and Howard counties. Maryland’s mix of coastal storms, heavy rainfall, and winter weather creates real risks that make a well-stocked kit worth the effort.
Understand the Core Categories Every Kit Needs
A preparedness kit is only useful if it covers the right categories. Gaps in any one area can leave your household vulnerable. Think of the kit in six core groups.
- Water: One gallon per person per day for at least 3 days. A family of four needs a minimum of 12 gallons.
- Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, dried fruit, and energy bars. Include a manual can opener.
- First Aid: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, medical tape, pain relievers, prescription medications for at least 7 days, and a first aid manual.
- Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, bank account numbers, and medical records stored in a waterproof container or bag.
- Communication: A battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio, extra batteries, and a written contact list. Do not rely solely on your phone.
- Tools and Safety: Flashlights, extra batteries, a whistle, dust masks, plastic sheeting, duct tape, a wrench or pliers, and a local map.
Keep everything in one dedicated container, ideally a waterproof storage bin or duffel bag that you can grab quickly. Label the bin clearly and store it in an easy-to-reach location.
Compare Essential Kit Items by Household Size
The quantities in your kit should scale with your household. Use this table as a baseline when shopping for supplies. Round up rather than down.
| Item | 1-2 People (3 days) | 3-4 People (3 days) | 5+ People (3 days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water (gallons) | 6 | 12 | 18+ |
| Food (meals) | 9 | 18 | 27+ |
| Flashlights | 1-2 | 2-3 | 3-4 |
| Battery packs (AA/AAA) | 1 pack each | 2 packs each | 3+ packs each |
| N95 dust masks | 4 | 8 | 12+ |
| Emergency blankets | 2 | 4 | 6+ |
| Days of prescription meds | 7 | 7 | 7 |
If you have pets, add pet food, water, bowls, and any medications your animal takes. Pet supplies are one of the most commonly forgotten items in household kits.
Address Maryland-Specific Disaster Risks in Your Planning
Homeowners in Annapolis, Edgewater, Pasadena, and the Chesapeake Bay area face flooding risks that inland communities do not. Tropical storms and nor’easters can push storm surge inland quickly, and low-lying neighborhoods can flood with very little warning.
In Ellicott City, flash flooding along the Patapsco River has caused significant property damage in recent years. Howard County has invested in flood mitigation, but preparation at the household level remains essential for anyone living near waterways or in low-elevation zones.
For areas like Bowie, Laurel, and Columbia, the primary concerns shift toward severe thunderstorms, power outages lasting multiple days, and ice storms in winter. Add these items to your kit if you are in those areas.
- A power bank or solar charger for phones and devices
- Extra blankets and warm clothing stored separately for winter emergencies
- Ice melt or sand for walkways (stored in garage or shed)
- A generator safety guide and carbon monoxide detector if you own a portable generator
- Waterproof boots or waders if you live in a flood-prone neighborhood
Clear Restoration responds regularly to storm damage and flooding throughout Anne Arundel and Howard counties. The homes that recover fastest are almost always the ones where the owners acted quickly and had some level of preparation in place.
Store and Rotate Your Supplies on a Regular Schedule
A preparedness kit does not stay useful forever. Water stored in commercial plastic bottles should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Canned food typically lasts 1 to 5 years depending on the item, but check expiration dates twice a year.
Pick two calendar dates each year to inspect your kit. Many families do this when clocks change in spring and fall. Use this checklist during each review.
- Check and replace any expired food or water
- Test flashlights and replace batteries if needed
- Update your document copies if anything has changed (new insurance policy, updated ID)
- Confirm prescription medications are current and quantities are correct
- Review your family’s emergency contact list and meeting point plan
- Add or replace any seasonal items (hand warmers in fall, sunscreen in spring)
If you have had a child, adopted a pet, or had another household change, update your supply quantities at the same time. A kit built for two people will not be enough if your household has grown.
Know What to Do in the First Hour After a Disaster Strikes
Having the kit is only half the equation. Knowing how to use it matters just as much. In the first hour after a major event, your priorities should be safety, communication, and damage assessment.
If a storm or flood has affected your home, do not re-enter a flooded structure until a professional has confirmed it is safe. Water damage creates structural risks and mold can begin forming within 24 to 48 hours. Call Clear Restoration at 443 216 9272 as soon as it is safe to do so.
Here is a simple priority sequence for the first 60 minutes after a disaster.
- Account for all household members and confirm everyone is physically safe
- Move to higher ground if flooding is present or predicted
- Turn off utilities only if instructed to do so or if you smell gas
- Grab your preparedness kit and important documents
- Listen to your NOAA radio for official updates
- Contact family members using your written phone list, not just memory
- Document visible damage with photos before touching anything
Taking photos immediately after a disaster is one of the best things you can do for your insurance claim. Time-stamped images showing the extent of damage before any cleanup begins give your adjuster clear evidence.
Compare Basic vs. Advanced Preparedness Kits
Not every household needs the same level of preparation. A basic kit covers the minimum recommended by FEMA and Maryland Emergency Management Agency. An advanced kit goes further for households with medical needs, young children, elderly residents, or those in high-risk flood zones.
| Feature | Basic Kit | Advanced Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Water supply | 3-day minimum | 2-week supply or water filter system |
| Food supply | 3-day non-perishables | 2-week supply with variety and special dietary items |
| Power backup | Flashlights and batteries | Solar charger, lanterns, portable generator |
| Medical | Standard first aid kit | Extended first aid, prescription backup, AED awareness |
| Communication | Battery radio | Hand-crank radio, satellite communicator, written plans |
| Shelter items | Emergency blankets | Tarp, tent, sleeping bags rated for cold weather |
| Estimated cost | $75 to $150 | $250 to $600+ |
Most homeowners in Millersville, Gambrills, Odenton, and Crofton will be well served by a solid basic kit paired with a few advanced additions based on their household’s specific needs.
FAQs on Home Disaster Preparedness Kits
How long should a home preparedness kit last?
FEMA recommends a minimum of 72 hours of supplies. However, most emergency management professionals now advise building toward a 2-week supply, especially in areas prone to prolonged power outages or severe flooding. Maryland’s hurricane season runs June through November, making a longer supply window wise.
Where should I store my emergency preparedness kit?
Store your main kit somewhere dry, cool, and easy to access quickly, such as a hallway closet, laundry room, or garage shelf. Avoid attics, which can get extremely hot in Maryland summers. Some households keep a smaller go-bag near the front door for rapid evacuation situations.
What documents should I include in my kit?
Include copies of driver’s licenses, passports, Social Security cards, insurance policies (home, auto, health), bank account information, medication lists, and emergency contacts. Store originals in a fireproof safe and keep copies in a waterproof bag inside your kit.
Do I need a preparedness kit if I live in an apartment?
Absolutely. Apartment residents in Glen Burnie, Hanover, or Laurel face the same storm and power outage risks as homeowners. Your kit may be smaller, but the core categories of water, food, first aid, documents, and communication tools still apply. Focus on portability since you may need to evacuate faster.
How soon should I call a restoration company after a disaster?
Call as soon as it is safe to re-enter or assess your property. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of water intrusion, and structural damage worsens without prompt attention. Clear Restoration serves communities throughout Anne Arundel and Howard counties and can respond quickly after storms or flooding.
Can I buy a pre-made emergency kit or should I build my own?
Pre-made kits from brands like Ready America or Sustain Supply Co. are a solid starting point and cost between $50 and $200. Building your own allows you to customize for your household size, dietary restrictions, and local risks. Many households start with a pre-made kit and add to it over time.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
A home disaster preparedness kit is one of the most practical investments you can make for your household. Start with the core six categories, scale quantities to your household size, and review your kit twice a year to keep it current.
If a storm, flood, or other disaster has already damaged your home, do not wait to get professional help. Clear Restoration serves Annapolis, Columbia, Glen Burnie, Edgewater, Ellicott City, and communities across Anne Arundel and Howard counties. Call us at 443 216 9272 to schedule an assessment and start your recovery right away.