Home & Garden Home How to Build an Emergency Supply Kit in a Hurry By Lloyd Alter Design Editor University of Toronto Lloyd Alter is Design Editor for Treehugger and teaches Sustainable Design at Ryerson University in Toronto. our editorial process Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Lloyd Alter Updated October 11, 2018 ©. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty Images Share Twitter Pinterest Email Home DIY Pest Control Natural Cleaning Family Green Living Thrift & Minimalism Sustainable Eating It doesn't have to be complicated and you probably have most of it already. According to House Bill 819, it is illegal to discuss sea level rise in North Carolina. Legislators were worried that predictions about the effects of climate change would "result in immediate loss of property value, staggering insurance premiums, and limit development along the coast." Meanwhile, as Hurricane Florence rolls in, there are worries that sea level rise will make the damage worse. Now, the government has ordered a mandatory evacuation of the barrier islands, and is warning everyone else to expect a loss of electric power. The governor has a warning: It is likely that you have most of the stuff you need in your home right now; here is a basic list from ReadyNC: Water - 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days Food – non-perishable and canned food supply for 3 to 7 days Battery-powered or hand crank radio and National oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with extra batteries Cell phone with charger First aid kit and first aid book Flashlight and extra batteries Manual can opener for food Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel Wrench or pliers to turn off water Blanket or sleeping bag – 1 per person Prescription medications and glasses Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, feminine supplies Extra house and car keys Important documents – insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records Fire extinguisher Cash and change Books, games or cards They have other suggestions for pets, first aid and seniors on their site. Migrated Image TreeHugger Emeritus Jaymi, who lives in California, always had an emergency bag ready, and it is pretty elaborate. It is designed for when you need to head for the hills with your world in a backpack. More: Deconstructing the emergency bag: Packing a kit is tougher than it looks CC BY 2.0. 72 hours of water, food, light and power 72 hours of water, food, light and power/CC BY 2.0 After my wife and I got caught without electricity or a road out for four days I realized that I had better ensure that we have at least 72 hours worth of supplies; now we make sure to have at least a minimum in stock on our shelves because we never know when trees and wires might close the road. Readers suggested that I should push it to at least a week. More: Build an emergency kit in your cupboard and closet A lot of people are worried about water, and here is a trick I have seen going around Twitter this morning: Instead of lining up to buy jugs, fill one-gallon ziplock bags. Put as many of them as you can into the freezer. I am going to make sure that we have a supply of bags in stock from now on. To everyone, good luck and be safe.