How to buy your kit: one-click cart and tips before you check out

The short answer

Every kit page has a button called Add whole kit to Amazon cart. It opens Amazon's own cart page with all the kit's items and quantities already filled in. You look it over, take out anything you do not need, and check out on Amazon. We never see your payment details.

How the button works

1. You open a kit page, such as the Blackout Kit.
2. You press Add whole kit to Amazon cart.
3. A new tab opens on Amazon with the items already in the cart, using Amazon's own add-to-cart link.
4. You review everything. You can remove items, change quantities or save things for later.
5. You pay on Amazon, like any other order.

You can also add one item at a time. Each product page has its own Add to cart and View on Amazon buttons.

What you should know

• Prices and stock are set by Amazon. They can change from day to day. We do not show prices on this site on purpose, so nobody sees an old number. Check the price on Amazon before you buy.
• An item may be unavailable or replaced. If one is out of stock, Amazon will tell you in the cart. Look for a similar item, or leave it for later.
• The guides are free. You never have to buy anything to use them. Many of our guides work with things you already own.
• We choose items for need. If something is not needed, we say so.

Tips for a smart first order

1. Check what you already own

Go through your cupboards before you press the button. You probably have a flashlight, a can opener, blankets or batteries. Remove those from the cart. Do not buy duplicates unless you want a spare.

2. Start with the Blackout Kit

It covers two people for three days: light, phone power, water, food, first aid, a radio and a carbon monoxide alarm. See the 72-hour blackout plan to understand each piece. You can add the Family Kit or Whole-Home Kit later, one step at a time.

3. Spread the cost

Buying a kit all at once is not required. You can start with the first-aid kit, light and water, then add the rest over a few paychecks.

4. Check each item when it arrives

• Open each box in a few days, not months later.
• Compare what is inside with the kit list.
• Look for damage, missing parts and expiry dates.
• If something is wrong, return it while the return window is open.

5. Test everything

A kit you have never used might not work. Turn on the lantern. Charge the power bank. Light the cooktop. Run the radio. Read the instructions together as a family.

6. Write dates and set reminders

• Write the date you bought food and water on the container with a marker.
• Put a calendar reminder to check the kit every six months.
• Put a reminder to recharge power banks every three months.
• Rotate food and water before they expire and replace used items.

7. Keep it together

Put the kit in one place that is easy to reach. A tote with a lid works well, and a fireproof bag holds your papers.

Make a family emergency plan so everyone knows where the kit is.

Why prepare at all?

Outages are not rare, and strain on the power grid is a real topic in the news. We explain it, with sources, in why the grid is under strain and on our news page. Being ready is cheaper and calmer than being caught unprepared.

Ready.gov advises planning for the power to be out, with alternative power for devices you rely on.

Spotted a mistake or an item that is out of stock? Tell us on the contact page and we will fix it.

Next steps

• Understand each item: the 72-hour blackout plan.
• Plan for water: how much water to store.
• Write your plan: family emergency plan.
• Start here: Blackout Kit.