First Responders Foundation

How to Help Families of First Responders During the Holidays

Nabil Molai — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:51:26 +0000

The holidays are often painted as a season of joy, rest, and togetherness—but for many first responder families, this time of year can be especially difficult.

Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, corrections officers, dispatchers, and other emergency professionals frequently work long, unpredictable hours. Holidays don’t stop emergencies. For their families, that often means empty chairs at the table, heightened anxiety, and the emotional toll of knowing their loved one is running toward danger while others celebrate.

Supporting first responders means supporting their families, too. Here are meaningful ways individuals, organizations, and communities can help during the holiday season.

How to Help Families of First Responders During the Holidays

1. Acknowledge the Invisible Sacrifice

First responder families quietly carry a unique burden—missed birthdays, canceled plans, and constant worry. Simply acknowledging that sacrifice matters more than most people realize.

A handwritten note, a thoughtful message, or even a sincere “Thank you for sharing your family with our community” can validate what often goes unseen.

Why it matters: Feeling recognized reduces isolation and reminds families they are not alone.

2. Support the Home Front

When a first responder is working overtime or deployed during the holidays, everyday responsibilities don’t pause.

Practical help goes a long way:

Offer to shovel snow, rake leaves, or take out trash
Drop off a meal or grocery gift card
Help with childcare during long shifts
Run a simple errand so families can catch their breath

These acts may seem small, but they reduce stress at a time when emotional bandwidth is already stretched thin.

3. Include the Kids

Children of first responders often feel the absence of a parent most sharply during holidays. Creating moments of joy and normalcy can be incredibly impactful.

Consider:

Donating toys or books specifically for first responder children
Supporting holiday events, parties, or gift programs
Writing letters or cards of encouragement to kids

For children, these gestures send a powerful message: Your family’s sacrifice is seen and appreciated.

4. Support Mental and Emotional Wellness

The holidays can intensify stress, anxiety, and trauma—especially for families already living with uncertainty.

You can help by:

Supporting organizations that provide counseling or peer support
Donating to programs offering trauma-informed care
Encouraging wellness resources like fitness, self-defense, or mindfulness programs

Mental health support isn’t just for first responders—it’s essential for their spouses and children, too.

5. Give to Trusted Nonprofits Serving First Responders

One of the most effective ways to help is by supporting nonprofits that work directly with first responder families year-round.

These organizations can provide:

Holiday meal and gift programs
Wellness and resilience training
Family-centered community events

A single donation can translate into groceries, counseling sessions, childcare support, or a brighter holiday morning for a family in need.

6. Be Flexible and Compassionate

If you have a first responder family in your life, flexibility is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

Plans may change at the last minute. Celebrations may be rescheduled. Energy may be low. Lead with grace and understanding—your patience communicates support more than words ever could.

7. Turn Gratitude Into Action

It’s easy to say “thank you for your service.” It’s more powerful to back those words with action.

This holiday season, ask yourself:

How can I lighten the load for a first responder family?
How can my business, gym, church, or organization give back?
How can I help in a way that’s consistent, not just seasonal?

When gratitude becomes action, communities grow stronger—and first responder families feel supported long after the decorations come down.

Final Thoughts

First responders don’t serve alone. Their families stand beside them every shift, every holiday, and every crisis.

This season let’s honor that sacrifice not just with words, but with compassion, generosity, and intentional support. When we care for first responder families, we strengthen the very foundation of those who protect us all.

First Responders Foundation

The mission of the First Responders Foundation is to serve and honor all our First Responders, Veterans and their families; build appreciation and respect for their work; and enhance public safety. For more information, visit First Responders Foundation, or contact us.

The post How to Help Families of First Responders During the Holidays appeared first on First Responders Foundation.

Caring for Yourself During the Holidays: A Guide for First Responders

swsupport — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 20:52:22 +0000

The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for first responders, the reality can look very different. While families gather, first responders are answering calls, managing crises, and holding the line for their communities—often at the expense of their own rest, routines, and emotional bandwidth.

If you serve in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, dispatch, or corrections, this season can bring unique pressures: increased call volume, difficult weather conditions, emotional strain, financial worries, or the simple ache of being away from loved ones during special moments.

This guide is here to remind you of something simple but essential: You deserve care too. Not later. Not when the shift cycle slows down. Now.

1. Protect the Basics: Sleep, Fuel, and Movement

Sleep

Prioritize sleep whenever possible—use blackout curtains, eye masks, or white noise to improve sleep quality between shifts.
Even short naps can reduce burnout and improve vigilance.

Fuel

Holiday treats are everywhere, but your body will feel better with real nourishment.
Pack simple, protein-forward snacks to avoid long stretches without eating: nuts, yogurt, jerky, hard-boiled eggs, shakes, or fruit.

Movement

You don’t need a full workout.
Ten minutes of stretching, a walk around the station, or a few mobility drills can reset your nervous system and improve your mood.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries With Work and Family

Most first responders struggle with the same challenge: how to be present with family without bringing the emotional weight of the job home.

Healthy boundaries can help:

Let family know ahead of time what days you’ll be working and when you will be unavailable.
Give yourself permission to say “no” to extra obligations when you’re drained.
Create a small transition ritual between work and home (music, silence, prayer, a shower, a brief walk) to help reset your mind.

Boundaries are not selfish—they’re part of sustaining the people who sustain the community.

3. Manage Holiday Expectations

Many first responders feel guilty for missing gatherings, arriving late, or being mentally exhausted during celebrations.

Remember:

You are not ruining the holidays. You are serving your community.
Celebrate on a different day if needed. Traditions can shift.
Ask loved ones to take a holiday photo or video for you to enjoy later.
Create small, meaningful traditions that fit your schedule—like a special breakfast after a night shift.

Your family doesn’t need a “perfect holiday.” They need you, healthy and supported.

4. Create Space for Emotional Release

The calls during the winter months can be especially heavy: traffic accidents, house fires, domestic incidents, mental health crises, or tragedies involving children.

Your emotional load increases even as the world expects cheerfulness.

Healthy outlets include:

Talking with a peer support member, counselor or chaplain
Journaling to release pent-up stress
Using grounding techniques (slow breathing, cold water on your hands, or brief meditation)
Giving yourself permission to feel what you feel—without judgment

What you carry is real. Releasing it keeps it from becoming overwhelming.

5. Connect With Your Support Network

Isolation can intensify stress—especially during a season built around connection.

Even if schedules are chaotic:

Share a meal or quick coffee with a trusted coworker.
Reach out to family or friends through a short call or message.
Join community events at the station or through local organizations.

Strong community isn’t a luxury. It’s a protective factor for mental health.

6. Lean Into Purpose—but Not Pressure

Many first responders feel a deep sense of purpose during the holidays. You’re serving people on their worst days. You are a lifeline.

Let that purpose encourage you—not overwhelm you.

Appreciate the meaningful moments: a thank-you, a saved life, a quiet victory.
Remind yourself that your best is enough.
Give yourself grace for the exhaustion that comes with this calling.

Purpose fuels resilience—but only when paired with rest, support, and realistic expectations.

Final Reminder

If you serve the public, especially during the toughest time of the year, you deserve rest, compassion, and care. Supporting your own wellbeing is not only good for you—it strengthens the people who depend on you at home, at work, and in the community.

First Responders Foundation

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Supporting First Responders Working During the Holidays

swsupport — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:50:07 +0000

For most families, the holidays are a time to slow down, celebrate, and be with the people we love. But for thousands of first responders, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, corrections officers, and hospital workers, this time of year looks very different. While the world gathers around Christmas trees, dinner tables, and fireplaces, our first responders are out in the cold, taking emergency calls, protecting neighborhoods, and running toward danger when others run away.

Their dedication means our communities stay safe no matter the date on the calendar.

Supporting First Responders Working During the Holidays

At the First Responders Foundation, we believe that no first responder should ever feel forgotten, especially during the holidays. Here are meaningful ways we can support those who serve while the rest of the world celebrates.

1. Recognize the Sacrifice

Working nights, weekends, and holidays is part of the job, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. Missing family gatherings, celebrating Christmas morning with kids, or New Year’s celebrations can take a toll emotionally and mentally. Acknowledging the sacrifice matters.

A simple “thank you” to a responding crew
A handwritten card or holiday note
A message on social media recognizing departments in your city

Small gestures go a long way.

2. Support Their Families Too

When a first responder is on duty, the family is serving right along with them. Spouses take on extra responsibilities. Children spend holidays without a parent at the table. Sometimes, the holidays can feel lonely.

Consider:

Dropping off a meal or gift card
Offering to help with childcare
Inviting families to join your own holiday celebration

A community that supports first responder families builds resilience far beyond the holiday season.

3. Donate to Mental Health and Wellness Programs

The holiday season brings an increase in calls, car accidents, house fires, domestic situations, and medical emergencies. The emotional load can be heavy, and first responders often carry their stress quietly.

Organizations like the First Responders Foundation provide:

Mental health resources
Peer support
Trauma-informed physical fitness + Jiu-Jitsu training
Counseling and wellness initiatives
Assistance for first responders and their families

A donation during the holidays directly supports the people who protect us every day.

4. Bring Holiday Cheer to the Station

Many departments spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on shift inside the station. Community members can help make those days brighter.

Drop off snacks, coffee, or baked goods
Sponsor Christmas dinner for a station
Deliver small gifts or stockings
Have local kids make cards or decorations

Even simple acts can turn a difficult shift into something special.

5. Show Kindness in Everyday Life

The greatest gift to any first responder is a community that cares for one another.

You can help by:

Driving safely in winter conditions
Checking on elderly neighbors
Keeping pathways clear for emergency vehicles
Avoiding impaired driving
Following fire and safety precautions

Every act of responsible citizenship is a gift to the people responding to emergencies.

A Holiday Message to All First Responders

To every police officer, firefighter, EMT, medic, dispatcher, corrections officer, nurse, doctor, and hospital worker who will spend the holidays away from their families: thank you.

You miss birthday parties, school plays, Christmas mornings, and New Year’s celebrations so someone else can have theirs safely. Your courage and sacrifice do not go unnoticed.

The First Responders Foundation stands with you on holidays, on the toughest days, and every day.

How to Get Involved

If you want to support a first responder this holiday season:

Donate to a first responder nonprofit
Volunteer for community events
Send cards or treats to a local department
Reach out to a first responder family you know
Share a message of thanks online

To support our programs that provide mental health care, training, family assistance, and wellness resources for first responders, visit: www.firstrespondersfoundation.org/donate

Together, we can make sure that those who protect us never stand alone, especially during the holidays.

First Responders Foundation

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Public Education on Appropriate Emergency Service Use: When to Call 911

swsupport — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:20:36 +0000

Here in Omaha, our first responders work around the clock to keep us safe. Every day, 911 dispatchers, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers answer calls for help. Many of these are true emergencies where seconds matter—but some could be better handled by non-emergency services.

At the First Responders Foundation, we believe one of the best ways to support our heroes is by educating the public on how to use the system properly. Knowing when to call 911—and when not to—saves lives and ensures our emergency resources are available when they are needed most.

When to Call 911

Call 911 any time there is an immediate threat to life, health, or property. Examples include:

Medical Emergencies: Chest pain, stroke symptoms, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
Crimes in Progress: Assaults, robberies, domestic violence incidents, or suspicious activity posing a direct threat.
Fires and Explosions: Structure fires, vehicle fires, smoke, or gas leaks.
Serious Traffic Accidents: Collisions with injuries, blocked intersections, or major hazards.

If you believe the situation could quickly become dangerous, don’t hesitate—call 911.

When Not to Call 911

Some situations feel urgent but are not emergencies. For these, use non-emergency numbers or community services:

Noise complaints, abandoned vehicles, or minor traffic concerns → Call the Omaha Police Department non-emergency line: 402-444-5600
Power outages or downed lines → Contact OPPD at 1-800-554-6773 or online here
Water service issues → Call Metropolitan Utilities District (MUD) at 402-554-6666 or online
Animal control → 402-444-7800 or online for non-priority here or priority issues here

For non-life-threatening medical issues like colds, minor injuries, or prescription questions, use your doctor, urgent care, or telehealth instead of 911.

Supporting Our First Responders

When community members use 911 responsibly, it allows dispatchers and first responders to:

Reach true emergencies faster.
Reduce strain on limited resources.
Protect the health and safety of both responders and the public.

The First Responders Foundation is committed to supporting those who serve by raising awareness, providing training, and helping families understand how to access help effectively.

A Community Call to Action

Here’s what you can do right now to support Omaha’s first responders:

Save local non-emergency numbers in your phone.
Teach your children how and when to call 911.
Share this information with friends, neighbors, and coworkers.

Together, we can make sure our 911 system is always available for the people who need it most.

At the First Responders Foundation, we believe a safer Omaha starts with an informed community. Let’s work together to honor and support the men and women who answer the call—by making the right call ourselves.

First Responders Foundation

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Driven to Serve: How Mike Kraus Has Expanded Hope Through JAVELAN

swsupport — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 21:02:57 +0000

When he’s not managing the daily demands of serving as COO for three thriving automotive repair shops, Mike Kraus devotes his time and energy to supporting Veterans and first responders through his leadership of the JAVELAN program.

JAVELAN—short for Jack Assisting Veterans Enjoy Life Again—was founded in 2017 to provide funding and training for service dogs to assist Veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other physical or emotional challenges. Mike joined the board in 2020 and was unanimously elected director the following year. Under his guidance, JAVELAN expanded its mission by merging with the First Responders Foundation, extending its services to meet the critical needs of both Veterans and first responders in East Central Nebraska and Western Iowa.

Since stepping into this leadership role, Mike has helped JAVELAN significantly broaden its reach. What began as a goal of training six service dog-handler teams annually has now grown into more than 130 successfully trained teams—a nearly threefold increase. Mike’s efforts have boosted awareness, strengthened fundraising, and expanded access to lifesaving support for those who have served their country and communities.

Beyond organizational leadership, Mike is an active ambassador for JAVELAN. He speaks regularly at community events, raising awareness of the mental health crisis among Veterans and first responders—where tragically, an average of 22 Veterans lose their lives to suicide each day. His advocacy reached a national stage in 2024 when he was honored at the First Responders Bowl in Dallas, Texas, alongside a service dog and handler.

Mike’s commitment to both his business and community reflects his deep sense of responsibility and compassion. His work ensures that Veterans and first responders have access to the service dogs and support they need to regain independence, resilience, and quality of life. In recognition of his dedication, Mike received the 2025 Vision Humanitarian Award, underscoring the profound impact of his leadership.

First Responders Foundation

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From Badge to Beacon: Detective Shawna McClure’s Lifelong Mission to Serve Those Who Serve

swsupport — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:18:48 +0000

For 25 years, Detective Shawna McClure (Retired) dedicated her life to serving and protecting her community as a law enforcement officer. Her distinguished career began in 1996 with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, where she served as a Special Deputy before moving briefly into private security with the International Protection Company. In 1999, Shawna joined the Atlantic, Iowa Police Department, where she served until 2007 before moving to the Omaha Police Department. There, she proudly served until her medical retirement in June 2021 following a severe PTSD diagnosis.

But for Shawna, retirement didn’t mean stepping away from her life’s calling—it meant finding a new way to serve. Turning her personal challenges into a powerful new mission, she embarked on an academic journey focused on mental health and wellness. She earned her Associate’s degree in Psychology from Iowa Western Community College in 2023, then her Bachelor’s in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Psychology and a minor in Sociology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) in 2025. Now, she’s preparing to enter UNO’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program, with plans to earn her Master’s degree in 2028.

Shawna’s goal is clear: to become a licensed counselor specializing in the unique mental health needs of first responders and their families. She is already making a difference as a passionate peer support advocate, volunteering with national and local organizations including The Wounded Blue, Call for Backup, the First Responders Support Network, and the First Responders Foundation.

Service runs deep in Shawna’s family. She is the proud daughter and granddaughter of veteran officers, and her husband, Ken McClure, is a veteran K-9 handler with the Council Bluffs Police Department. Together, they have built a loving family with four children—Kevin, Derek, Jacqueline, and Joseph—and six cherished grandchildren: Everleigh, Eliska, Bear, Sonnet, Sutton, and Ryker.

Having spent 25 years protecting her community, Shawna McClure now looks forward to spending the rest of her life lifting up those who protect us all. Her story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and a legacy of service that continues to shine bright.

First Responders Foundation

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A Shared Commitment to Care: Don and Allison Rice

swsupport — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:08:26 +0000

For Don and Allison Rice, healthcare and community service have always been more than careers—they are a calling. Together, they bring decades of expertise, leadership, and compassion to Lincoln, making a lasting impact not only on patients but also on Veterans, first responders, and their families.

Don Rice, M.D.

Don Rice is the founder and owner of the Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, which proudly celebrates 20 years of service this year. A native of California, Dr. Rice first came to Nebraska in 1993 for his doctoral training at Creighton University School of Medicine. He later completed his residency at Riverside General Hospital in California, where he served as Chief Resident in 1996, before returning to Nebraska to dedicate his career to rural family and emergency medicine.

Dr. Rice’s influence extends far beyond Lincoln. He served as the Statewide EMS Physician Medical Director for Nebraska for 16 years, developing groundbreaking standards of care such as the first Nebraska Statewide STEMI guidelines and publishing important research on cardiac care and resuscitation. His expertise in medical informatics has made him a sought-after EMS consultant in states across the country, from Alaska to Georgia.

But beyond his clinical accomplishments, Dr. Rice has always held a deep respect for first responders, whom he sees as embodying courage, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. Supporting the First Responders Foundation was a natural extension of his life’s work and values.

Allison Rice

While Don has been a force in emergency medicine, Allison Rice has been equally impactful behind the scenes at the Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln. On the administrative side, she manages accounting and marketing, embracing a dynamic mix of responsibilities that keep the clinic running smoothly.

Her connection to first responders and Veterans is deeply personal. Years ago, she and Don hosted sobriety celebrations for their local VA, inspired in part by her grandfather, a Veteran who battled addictions. Today, Allison and Don also foster dogs through rescue organizations, a passion that connected them to the First Responders Foundation’s JAVELAN program. With friends who serve as JAVELAN trainers, Allison quickly saw the dedication, compassion, and commitment that the program—and the Foundation as a whole—brings to Veterans, first responders, and their families.

As Allison explains, “Every time I spoke with someone at the First Responders Foundation, it was inspiring to hear about the significant contributions they make to those who have served. We definitely feel that it’s our privilege to be a small part of what they do.
United in Service

Together, Don and Allison Rice embody the values of service, leadership, and compassion. Their shared commitment—whether in healthcare, community outreach, or animal rescue—reflects a life dedicated to helping others. By supporting the First Responders Foundation, they continue to strengthen the very heart of the community: the people who serve it.

First Responders Foundation

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Honoring Leadership: The Legacy of W. Gary Gates

swsupport — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:29:57 +0000

When it comes to leadership in the power industry and community service, few names stand out as much as W. Gary Gates, retired President and Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD). With a career spanning over four decades, Gary’s legacy is defined not only by his professional achievements but also by his unwavering commitment to serving others.

A Career in Power and Leadership

Gary Gates began his journey in the nuclear power industry in 1972, when he joined OPPD. Just two years later, he started at the Fort Calhoun Station, where he held a variety of roles, including reactor engineer, operations supervisor, and eventually manager.

By 1989, his leadership qualities earned him the role of executive assistant to the president, and shortly after, division manager of Nuclear Operations. In 1992, he became vice president of nuclear operations, and in 2004, he was named President and CEO of OPPD. Under his leadership, the district continued to grow and evolve, always with a focus on reliability and public service. After an extraordinary career, Gary retired in 2015.

Dedicated to Service Beyond the Workplace

While his professional accomplishments are remarkable, Gary’s impact reaches far beyond the energy industry. His dedication to community service is reflected in his many board affiliations, including:

Boy Scouts Mid-America Council
College World Series
First Responders Foundation
FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association
National Defense Research Corporation
University of Nebraska Foundation
USS Omaha, and more.

In addition, he served as chair or honorary chair for countless causes, from the American Red Cross and American Heart Association to Make-A-Wish Nebraska and the YMCA of Greater Omaha. In recognition of these contributions, Gary and his wife, Kathy, were honored as Humanitarians of the Year in 2012 by United Way of the Midlands. Four years later, Gary was inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame.

Education and Family Values

Gary holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from Iowa State University, a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and an MBA from Creighton University. These achievements reflect a lifelong commitment to growth and learning.

But perhaps what Gary values most is family. He and Kathy have three children and eleven grandchildren, who are an enduring part of his legacy.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

From his pivotal role in advancing nuclear operations at OPPD to his tireless dedication to philanthropic causes, W. Gary Gates embodies what it means to be both a leader and a servant to the community. His story is a reminder that true success is measured not just by professional milestones, but by the lives impacted along the way.

First Responders Foundation

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Leading with Service: Councilman Pete Festersen’s Ongoing Commitment to Omaha

swsupport — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 19:11:31 +0000

When you look at the heart of Omaha’s civic leadership, few names stand out like City Councilman Pete Festersen. First elected to the Omaha City Council in 2009, Pete has since been re-elected in 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2025 — soon becoming the longest-serving councilman in Omaha’s history. His tenure includes three terms as President of the City Council, a testament to his dedication, steady leadership, and commitment to seeing Omaha thrive.

Councilman Pete Festersen’s Ongoing Commitment to Omaha

But Pete’s dedication to the community goes far beyond City Hall. As Vice President of Public Affairs for CHI Health — one of Omaha’s largest private employers — Pete works daily to strengthen connections between health care and the communities it serves. His professional journey has always focused on making Omaha a stronger, more vibrant city. Before his current roles, Pete led his own small business and held senior leadership positions with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Mike Fahey.

True to his community-first mindset, Pete has invested countless hours in boards and nonprofits that directly impact the lives of Omaha families. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Douglas County Board of Public Health. He lends his guidance to vital organizations such as Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue and the Food Bank of the Heartland capital campaign, ensuring families in need have access to healthy, nourishing meals.

His past service includes chairing the Omaha Planning Board and working with beloved local institutions like the Omaha Children’s Museum, College World Series, Inc., and the United Way of the Midlands campaign. Whether it’s supporting education, public health, or food security, Pete’s dedication shows up in countless corners of Omaha life.

An Omaha native, Pete’s roots run deep. A proud graduate of Central High School, he went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. A graduate of Leadership Omaha, he’s been recognized many times for his outstanding service, including the Excellence in Public Service Award from UNO, Elected Official of the Year by ASPA-Nebraska, and the UNO Citation for Alumni Achievement.

At home, Pete’s greatest pride is his family. His wife, Paige, shapes young minds as a preschool teacher at Dundee Presbyterian Church, while their daughters, Anna and Caroline, remind him every day why community matters so much. Outside of work and service, Pete is an accomplished sailor — a Nebraska State Champion in both soccer and curling — and keeps the beat as a lifelong musician and drummer in a local rock band.

Through every chapter of his career and life, Councilman Pete Festersen remains anchored by a simple belief: that true leadership means building a stronger community for everyone. And as Omaha continues to grow, Pete’s unwavering commitment to service ensures that it grows together.

First Responders Foundation

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What’s In Your Emergency Kit? Essentials for Every Household

swsupport — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 19:51:28 +0000

When disaster strikes, there’s rarely time to plan. Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or unexpected emergency, having a well-stocked emergency kit can make all the difference. Think of it as your household’s lifeline—a way to stay safe, nourished, and informed until help arrives or conditions improve.

But what exactly should go in your emergency kit? Here’s a breakdown of the essentials every household should have—and a few extras that could make a tough situation a little easier.

What’s In Your Emergency Kit?

The Bare Essentials

Let’s start with the absolute must-haves:

1. Water

One gallon per person, per day for at least three days (for drinking and sanitation).
Consider adding water purification tablets or a portable water filter in case your supply runs out.

2. Food

A three-day supply of non-perishable food per person.
Choose items that are easy to prepare and don’t require refrigeration—think canned goods, protein bars, and dry snacks.
Don’t forget a manual can opener!

3. First Aid Kit

Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, gloves, pain relievers, allergy medication, and personal prescriptions.
Customize based on your family’s medical needs.

4. Flashlights and Batteries

Opt for LED flashlights with long battery life.
Include extra batteries for all devices.

5. Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Radio

Choose one with NOAA weather alert capabilities to stay informed about local conditions.
Some models also charge phones or have built-in flashlights.

6. Personal Hygiene Items

Include moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and toilet paper.

Important Extras

7. Cash

ATMs and card readers may not work during an outage. Keep small bills and coins in your kit.

8. Copies of Important Documents

Store copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records, and bank account info in a waterproof bag.

9. Multi-Tool or Basic Tools

A good multi-tool can replace a toolbox in an emergency.

10. Blankets or Emergency Sleeping Bags

Mylar blankets are compact, lightweight, and retain body heat.

11. Phone Charger (Battery Pack or Solar)

Keeping your phone charged could be your only link to emergency services or loved ones.

For Families with Kids or Pets

Diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food if you have an infant.
Comfort items like a favorite stuffed animal or small toy can help kids cope with stress.
Pet food, water, leash, and waste bags for your furry friends.

Don’t Forget to…

Check and update your kit every 6 months. Replace expired food, water, and medications.
Store your kit in a location that’s easy to access—many people keep one at home, one in the car, and even a smaller version at work.
Include everyone in your household when building your kit. The more familiar they are with it, the better prepared they’ll be when it counts.

Building an Emergency Kit

Emergencies are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. Building an emergency kit is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your household. Think of it as a form of everyday resilience: one small act of preparedness that can pay off in big ways when the unexpected happens.

First Responders Foundation

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