When disaster strikes, getting your whole family to safety becomes your top priority. But regular emergency kits often miss crucial items for family members with special needs. Whether you have young children, elderly relatives, pets, or all three, your family bug out bag needs careful planning to keep everyone safe and comfortable.
Why Family Emergency Planning Is Different
Standard emergency advice often assumes everyone in your group is a healthy adult. But the reality for most families is much more complex. Young children, elderly family members, and pets each have unique needs during an emergency.
Being unprepared for these special needs can turn a manageable situation into a crisis. The good news? With some thoughtful planning, you can create emergency kits that work for your entire family.
Make Family Planning Easy: Before you start gathering supplies, try our Bug Out Bag Calculator to get a customized list based on your family’s specific needs. Just check the boxes for children, elderly, and pets!
Children-Specific Needs
For Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years)
- Diapers: At least 12 per day for infants, 6-8 per day for toddlers
- Wipes: 1 travel pack per day (serves multiple purposes)
- Formula/baby food: 24-30 oz formula per day or 6-8 small jars of baby food
- Bottles and sippy cups: 2-3 (in case of loss or damage)
- Pacifiers: 2-3 extras if your child uses them
- Favorite blanket/stuffed animal: Comfort is crucial for little ones
For Young Children (4-10 years)
- Change of clothes: 1-2 complete sets including underwear and socks
- Comfort item: A small toy, stuffed animal, or blanket
- Activity items: Small coloring book and crayons, card game, or travel toy
- Personal ID information: ID bracelet or card with contact information
- Glow sticks: Safer than flashlights for young children and doubles as nighttime entertainment
Special Nutritional Considerations
- Allergen-free snacks: If your child has food allergies
- Familiar foods: Children may refuse to eat unfamiliar foods during stressful times
- Extra drinking water: Children dehydrate faster than adults
Psychological Support Items
- Comfort objects: Favorite small toy or blanket
- Familiar books: Small, lightweight favorites for bedtime
- Family photos: Printed pictures of family members (in case phones die)
Remember: Children’s needs change quickly as they grow. Update your family emergency kit every 6 months to keep pace with changing sizes, developmental stages, and preferences.
Elderly and Limited Mobility Considerations
Medication Management
- Prescription medications: 7-day supply minimum
- Medication list: Complete list of all medications with dosages and doctor contact information
- Pill organizer: To keep track of complex medication schedules
- Cooling pouch: For medications that need temperature control
Mobility Aid Backup Plans
- Extra batteries/charger: For electric mobility devices
- Repair kit: Basic tools for wheelchair/walker repairs
- Portable transfer aids: For helping with position changes
- Lightweight backup cane: Even if they use a walker/wheelchair normally
Temperature Regulation Needs
- Extra layers: Older adults get cold more easily
- Cooling towels/hand fans: For hot weather (heat affects elderly more severely)
- Emergency space blankets: Multiple blankets for warmth
- Extra socks and hat: For maintaining body temperature
Special Considerations
- Extra glasses/hearing aids: Include spare batteries for hearing aids
- Denture needs: Cleaner and container
- Incontinence supplies: If needed
- Medical alert information: Details of conditions, allergies, and treatments
Pet Evacuation Planning
Food and Water
- Dry food: 3-day supply in waterproof container
- Wet food: If part of their regular diet or to encourage water consumption
- Collapsible food/water bowls: Space-saving option
- Extra water: 1 liter per day for medium-sized dog (adjust for size)
Containment and Control
- Sturdy leash and collar: With ID tags attached
- Folding carrier or crate: For small animals
- Muzzle: Even for friendly dogs (emergency workers may require it)
- Comfort item: Familiar toy or blanket with familiar scent
Pet First Aid Essentials
- Pet first aid guide: Pet-specific information
- Basic supplies: Gauze, bandages, antibiotic ointment
- Tweezers: For splinters or ticks
- Styptic powder: To stop bleeding from nail injuries
- Any medications: 7-day supply with instructions
Special Needs
- Waste management: Poop bags, small litter pan, puppy pads
- Calming aids: Thunder shirt or vet-approved calming treats
- Pet records: Vaccination records, microchip information
- Current photo: In case you get separated
Shared Family Resources
Group Shelter Options
- Family-sized tent: If evacuation involves outdoors
- Tarp or plastic sheeting: Multiple uses for shelter
- Extra blankets: One per family member
- Sleeping bags or mats: Space-saving emergency options
Communication Plan Specifics
- Family meeting spot cards: Written location information for each family member
- Out-of-area contact info: Someone everyone can call if separated
- Whistle or signal device: For each family member
- Local map: Marked with meeting places and evacuation routes
Entertainment and Morale Items
- Deck of cards: Endless games in a small package
- Small board game: Something the whole family enjoys
- Notebook and pencils: For games, notes, and planning
- Bedtime story book: To maintain routines for children
Weight Distribution Among Family Members
Age-Appropriate Load Planning
- Adults: Main supplies, heaviest items (15-20% of body weight max)
- Teens (13+): Personal items plus some shared supplies (10-15% of body weight)
- Children (8-12): Only their personal comfort items and clothes (under 10% of body weight)
- Young children: No load expectations
Essential vs. Shared Items
- Personal medications: Carried by each person old enough to be responsible
- Water: Distributed among all capable carriers
- Documents: One adult carries all important papers
- First aid: One designated kit manager
Rotation Strategies for Long Evacuations
- Regular breaks: 10 minutes every hour
- Load shifting: System for trading heavier items
- Children’s carrying time: Shorter durations than adults
Family Preparedness as an Ongoing Conversation
Emergency preparedness isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing family activity. Talk regularly about:
- What to do in different emergency scenarios
- How to use emergency supplies
- Where to meet if separated
- Who to contact for help
Make these conversations age-appropriate but honest. Practice emergency drills twice a year and update your supplies regularly.
Ready to build your family emergency kit? Use our Bug Out Bag Calculator to get a personalized list based on your family’s unique needs. Just select the number of people and check the special considerations boxes for children, elderly, and pets!
Get Started Today
Don’t wait for an emergency to think about your family’s unique needs. Start today by:
- Using our calculator to create your personalized family plan
- Talking with each family member about their specific needs
- Gathering items you already have around the house
- Making a shopping list for missing items
- Involving everyone in the packing and planning process
Remember that children, elderly family members, and pets rely on you to consider their needs during an emergency. Taking the time now ensures everyone stays safe when it matters most.
Have questions about emergency planning for your specific family situation? Leave a comment below, and we’ll help you find solutions!