Emergency Kit for Household
Emergency Kit for Household is a box/container that contains the Tools, Equipment and Accessories (TEA) to be used during emergency at household level. All the family members should be aware of it, and at least the adults should know how to operate the TEAs kept inside the Kit. The items recommended for this kit are only for light search and rescue. Hence other survival items for emergency e.g. medical, food and clothing etc., are recommended to keep in individual earthquake “Go Bag”. NSET Nepal
Where should we keep it?
The best location for kit is within the building compound, in a safe location and accessible to all family members. NSET Nepal
What should it contain? (Tools, Equipment and Accessories — TEAs)
We cannot put everything in the kit, however we can prioritize the items those are very important during and after an earthquake to operate light search and rescue within the family. NSET Nepal
- Dust mask NSET Nepal
- Working Glove NSET Nepal
- Helmet NSET Nepal
- Safety boot NSET Nepal
- Headlamp & extra batteries NSET Nepal
- Nails NSET Nepal
- Tin snips NSET Nepal
- Screwdriver NSET Nepal
- Adjustable wrench NSET Nepal
- Big Knife (Khukuri) NSET Nepal
- Flathead axe NSET Nepal
- Mallet NSET Nepal
- Hammer NSET Nepal
- Shovel NSET Nepal
- Pick mattock NSET Nepal
- Hacksaw and extra blades NSET Nepal
- Hand saw NSET Nepal
- Hoe (Kodalo) NSET Nepal
- Rope NSET Nepal
- Pry bar NSET Nepal
- Thread and needle NSET Nepal
- Blanket For the provision of Stretcher and keeping the victim warm NSET Nepal
- Container To store the LSAR TEAs NSET Nepal
- Bucket To carry small hand tools, collection/removal of light debris. NSET Nepal
Additional survival / household items to include
At a minimum, you should have the basic supplies listed below. American Red Cross
- Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home) American Red Cross
- Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home) American Red Cross
- Flashlight American Red Cross
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) American Red Cross
- Extra batteries American Red Cross
- First aid kit American Red Cross
- Medications (7-day supply) and medical items American Red Cross
- Multi-purpose tool American Red Cross
- Sanitation and personal hygiene items American Red Cross
- Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) American Red Cross
- Cell phone with chargers American Red Cross
- Family and emergency contact information American Red Cross
- Extra cash American Red Cross
- Emergency blanket American Red Cross
- Map(s) of the area American Red Cross
- Whistle; N95 or surgical masks; work gloves; extra clothing and sturdy shoes; manual can opener; plastic sheeting and duct tape (as applicable). American Red Cross
Practical notes from Nepali guidance
- Prepare one kit each for your home, car and office. Change the items every six months. NSET Nepal
- The list of contents can be adapted based on environment, household size, skills and personal judgment. NSET Nepal
- A list of recommended supplies for “Go-Bag” can be found on the websites of NSET, Red Cross, etc. DPNet Nepal
Share Your Thoughts
- How prepared is your household for a three-day emergency in Kathmandu?
- Which item from the TEAs or survival supplies would you prioritize and why?
- Do you have a Go-Bag for work or school; what’s inside it?
- How can neighbours in your ward coordinate to share tools and skills after an earthquake?