How to Build a Pandemic Prep Kit in San Francisco

San Francisco is a city defined by its resilience, diversity, and geographic vulnerability. Nestled along the Pacific coast, surrounded by fault lines, and home to one of the densest urban populations in the United States, it faces unique challenges during public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in individual and community preparedness — from shortages of essential supplies to confusion over local guidance. Building a pandemic prep kit isn’t just about stocking up on masks and hand sanitizer; it’s about creating a personalized, sustainable, and locally-informed safety net that accounts for San Francisco’s specific infrastructure, climate, and social dynamics.

A pandemic prep kit tailored for San Francisco goes beyond national guidelines. It considers the city’s frequent power outages during wildfire season, its reliance on public transit, the high cost of living that affects storage capacity, and the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of its residents. Whether you live in a high-rise in the Mission, a small apartment in the Tenderloin, or a single-family home in the Sunset, having a well-curated prep kit can mean the difference between weathering a crisis and being overwhelmed by it.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to building a pandemic prep kit that works for San Francisco’s unique environment. You’ll learn how to assemble essential supplies, adapt to local conditions, leverage city resources, and maintain your kit over time — all while avoiding common pitfalls that leave residents unprepared when emergencies strike.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Household’s Unique Needs

Before purchasing anything, take inventory of who lives in your home and what their specific requirements are. San Francisco’s population includes seniors, young families, people with chronic illnesses, non-English speakers, and individuals with mobility challenges. Your kit must reflect this diversity.

Ask yourself:

• How many people live in your household?
• Do any members have medical conditions requiring regular medication or equipment (e.g., oxygen, nebulizers, insulin)?
• Are there infants, toddlers, or elderly individuals who need special supplies?
• Do you have pets? San Francisco has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the U.S.
• Do you rely on public transportation or walk frequently? This affects how portable your kit needs to be.

For example, a household with a diabetic elder may need extra test strips and a backup glucose monitor. A family with a toddler will need extra diapers, formula, and age-appropriate snacks. A non-English speaker may benefit from translated instructions or multilingual contact lists.

Step 2: Gather Essential Medical Supplies

Your medical supply list should cover both routine and emergency needs. Don’t assume pharmacies will be open or stocked during a surge. The 2020 pandemic showed that even major chains like CVS and Walgreens in neighborhoods like the Richmond or Bayview ran out of masks, thermometers, and basic pain relievers for days.

Build a medical kit with:

• At least a 30-day supply of all prescription medications — request extended refills from your pharmacist if possible
• Over-the-counter essentials: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal, cough suppressants, and electrolyte solutions
• Thermometer — digital, non-contact preferred
• Portable pulse oximeter — critical for monitoring oxygen levels during respiratory illness
• First aid kit — bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, tweezers, scissors
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): N95 or KN95 masks (at least 1 per person per day for 2 weeks), surgical masks, face shields, disposable gloves
• Disinfectant supplies: EPA-approved disinfectant sprays, alcohol wipes (70%+), bleach (for surface cleaning)

Store medications in a cool, dry place. Avoid bathrooms due to humidity. If you use insulin or other temperature-sensitive drugs, consider a small insulated cooler with ice packs as backup.

Step 3: Stockpile Water and Non-Perishable Food

San Francisco’s water infrastructure is robust, but earthquakes, wildfires, or grid failures can disrupt supply. During the 2020 pandemic, many residents experienced long lines at grocery stores and shortages of bottled water. Plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of two weeks.

Water storage options:

• Use food-grade plastic containers (e.g., 5-gallon jugs)
• Rotate stored water every 6 months
• Keep a portable water filter (e.g., LifeStraw or Sawyer Mini) as backup
• Store bottled water in a dark, cool area — avoid garages or balconies exposed to heat

For food, prioritize non-perishables that require no refrigeration, minimal cooking, and cultural familiarity:

• Canned beans, tuna, chicken, and vegetables
• Whole grains: rice, quinoa, oats, pasta
• Dried fruits, nuts, and protein bars
• Instant soups and broths (low sodium)
• Formula and baby food (if applicable)
• Comfort foods: dark chocolate, tea, coffee — psychological support matters

Consider dietary restrictions: many San Franciscans follow vegan, kosher, halal, or gluten-free diets. Choose accordingly. Also, include a manual can opener — power outages are common during fire season.

Step 4: Prepare for Communication and Information Access

During a pandemic, reliable information is vital — but so is access to it. San Francisco’s digital divide means not everyone has consistent internet or smartphones. Prepare for both connected and disconnected scenarios.

Build a communication kit with:

• Portable power bank — with at least 10,000 mAh capacity, capable of charging phones 3–4 times
• Crank or solar-powered radio — NOAA-certified for emergency alerts
• Physical copies of key documents: emergency contacts, medical records, insurance cards, evacuation routes
• Local emergency numbers written down: SF Emergency Management (311), SF Department of Public Health, neighborhood mutual aid groups
• Printed maps of nearby testing centers, pharmacies, and shelters

Download the SF.gov app and subscribe to Notify SF for real-time alerts — but don’t rely solely on digital tools. Many seniors and low-income residents don’t use smartphones. If you live with them, ensure they have a printed version of your emergency plan.

Step 5: Plan for San Francisco’s Unique Environmental Risks

San Francisco isn’t just vulnerable to pandemics — it’s also prone to earthquakes, wildfires, and fog-related power outages. Your prep kit must account for overlapping emergencies.

Consider these local factors:

• Earthquake readiness: Keep your kit in a sturdy, easily accessible location — not under a bookshelf. Secure heavy items.
• Wildfire smoke: Add extra N95 masks and air purifiers if you live near the hills or in areas like the Sunset or Outer Richmond, where smoke drifts inland.
• Coastal fog and power outages: Many homes rely on electric heating. Include warm blankets, thermal clothing, and hand warmers.
• High cost of living: Storage space is limited. Opt for compact, multi-use items (e.g., a multi-tool instead of separate knife, can opener, and screwdriver).

Keep a small “go-bag” ready for quick evacuation — include your most critical items: medications, ID, water, snacks, flashlight, and a change of clothes. Store it by the door or in your car trunk.

Step 6: Include Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies

Without running water or sewage access, hygiene becomes a major health risk. San Francisco’s older buildings may have plumbing vulnerabilities during seismic events.

Essential hygiene items:

• Hand soap (bar or liquid) — at least 14 days’ supply
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)
• Toilet paper and wet wipes (biodegradable, flushable)
• Menstrual products (tampons, pads, menstrual cups)
• Diapers and wipes (for infants or incontinent adults)
• Laundry detergent (small packets)
• Disposable trash bags (for waste segregation)
• Portable toilet or bucket with lid and absorbent material (e.g., kitty litter or sawdust)

Store hygiene items separately from food to prevent contamination. Use sealed bins or waterproof containers.

Step 7: Build a Support Network and Community Plan

San Francisco thrives on community. Your prep kit isn’t complete without a social safety net. Identify neighbors, friends, or local groups who can assist during isolation.

Actions to take:

• Join your neighborhood’s Nextdoor or Facebook group
• Connect with local mutual aid networks (e.g., SF Mutual Aid, Tenderloin Housing Clinic, or the Mission’s community kitchens)
• Designate a point person for your household — someone who can check in on others if you’re incapacitated
• Exchange contact info with at least two neighbors
• Learn where your building’s emergency coordinator is (if you live in an apartment complex)

Many San Francisco neighborhoods have “block captains” trained in emergency response. Find yours through the SF Office of Emergency Management’s website.

Step 8: Assemble and Organize Your Kit

Now that you’ve gathered everything, it’s time to assemble. Avoid dumping items into a single box. Organization saves lives during stress.

Use clear, labeled, waterproof bins:

• Bin 1: Medical — medications, thermometer, oximeter, first aid
• Bin 2: Food & Water — non-perishables, water jugs, can opener
• Bin 3: Hygiene — soap, wipes, toilet paper, feminine products
• Bin 4: Communication — radio, power bank, printed documents, maps
• Bin 5: Comfort & Climate — blankets, warm clothes, hand warmers, books
• Go-Bag — portable version of all above, ready for 72-hour evacuation

Label each bin with its contents and expiration dates. Store in a central, accessible location — ideally near your front door or in a closet under the stairs. Avoid basements (flood risk) or attics (heat damage).

Step 9: Establish a Maintenance Schedule

A pandemic prep kit is not a “set it and forget it” solution. Items expire. Needs change. Power banks degrade. Food spoils.

Create a simple maintenance calendar:

• Monthly: Check expiration dates on food and meds. Rotate water if not in sealed containers.
• Quarterly: Test flashlight and radio batteries. Recharge power bank.
• Biannually: Update contact lists. Replace expired PPE. Review your plan with household members.
• Annually: Reassess household needs (new baby? new medication?). Update documents. Donate unused items to local shelters.

Set calendar reminders on your phone. Consider using a digital checklist via Google Keep or Notion to track updates.

Step 10: Educate Your Household

A kit is useless if no one knows how to use it. Hold a 20-minute family meeting to walk through each bin. Practice using the radio, opening the manual can opener, and locating the go-bag.

Teach children what each item is and why it matters. Role-play scenarios: “What if the power goes out for three days?” or “What if we can’t go to the pharmacy?”

For non-English speakers, use visual aids — pictures of masks, water jugs, and medicine bottles — to reinforce understanding. Many SF public health materials are available in Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Best Practices

Start Small, Think Long-Term

Don’t try to build your entire kit in one day. Begin with a 72-hour supply of water, food, and meds. Add one item per week. Over three months, you’ll have a robust kit without financial strain.

Choose Multi-Functional Items

Space is limited in San Francisco homes. Opt for tools that serve multiple purposes:

• A multi-tool with pliers, knife, can opener, and screwdriver
• Reusable cloth masks (washable, with replaceable filters)
• Collapsible water containers that save space when empty
• LED lanterns with USB charging ports

Use Local Suppliers

Support Bay Area businesses. Many SF-based stores offer bulk discounts on emergency supplies:

• City Hardware (multiple locations) — sells water jugs, flashlights, and first aid kits
• Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s — offer affordable, shelf-stable food
• Pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS — often have sales on masks and sanitizers
• Local co-ops — like the Bay Area Food Co-op — offer bulk grains and beans at lower prices

Plan for Power Outages

San Francisco experiences rolling blackouts during high-wind wildfire events. Your kit must function without electricity:

• Use battery-powered or hand-crank devices
• Keep a battery-operated fan for heat relief
• Store extra batteries (AA, AAA, 9V) in a sealed container
• Consider a small solar charger for phones — brands like Anker and Goal Zero are available locally

Document Everything

Keep a printed emergency binder with:

• Medical history for each household member
• Insurance policy numbers
• Emergency contacts (doctors, pharmacies, neighbors)
• Instructions for pets and special equipment
• Photos of valuable items for insurance claims

Store one copy in your kit and another in a waterproof safe or with a trusted friend outside the city.

Practice Mental Preparedness

Stress and anxiety spike during crises. Include items that support mental health:

• Books, puzzles, or card games
• Journal and pen
• Calming tea or aromatherapy oils (lavender, chamomile)
• Printed mindfulness exercises or breathing guides

San Francisco has high rates of depression and anxiety — preparing mentally is as vital as preparing physically.

Tools and Resources

Official San Francisco Resources

These city-run platforms provide up-to-date guidance and free or low-cost supplies:

• SF.gov Emergency Preparedness — sf.gov/emergency-preparedness — downloadable checklists, evacuation maps, and multilingual guides
• Notify SF — text-based emergency alerts. Sign up at notify.sf.gov
• San Francisco Department of Public Health — sfdph.org — pandemic updates, testing locations, vaccination info
• SF 311 — Call or text 311 for non-emergency assistance — information on food distribution, shelter access, and utility aid

Community-Based Organizations

Many nonprofits offer free prep kits or supplies to low-income residents:

• Tenderloin Housing Clinic — provides hygiene kits and masks to unhoused and low-income residents
• San Francisco Food Bank — distributes emergency food boxes; accepts volunteers to help pack kits
• Asian Health Services — offers multilingual pandemic education and free health supplies
• GLIDE Memorial Church — distributes meals, masks, and hygiene items daily

Recommended Products

These items are widely available in San Francisco and meet local needs:

• Water: LifeStraw Family 1.0 (filters up to 18,000 liters)
• Power: Anker 737 Power Bank (24,000 mAh, solar-compatible)
• Radio: Midland ER310 NOAA Weather Radio
• Masks: 3M N95 or Powecom KN95 (look for NIOSH-approved)
• Thermometer: iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
• Pulse Oximeter: Zacurate Pro Series 500DL
• First Aid: Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series

Check local stores like REI, Target, or Walmart for discounts. Some SF libraries offer free emergency kit loans during flu season.

Mobile Apps

Download these apps for real-time updates:

• ReadySF — official app with emergency checklists
• Red Cross First Aid — step-by-step medical guidance
• Google Maps — enable “Emergency Services” to find nearby pharmacies and clinics
• Nextdoor — hyperlocal alerts and neighbor support

Real Examples

Example 1: Maria, 68, Living Alone in the Sunset

Maria, a retired teacher, lives alone in a 1920s bungalow. She has hypertension and takes daily medication. After seeing neighbors struggle during the 2020 lockdown, she built her kit:

• 60-day supply of blood pressure meds (requested from her pharmacist)
• Portable pulse oximeter and thermometer
• Two 5-gallon water jugs, stored under her kitchen sink
• Non-perishable food: canned beans, rice, protein bars
• Hand-crank radio and power bank
• Printed list of neighbors’ numbers, including her nephew in Oakland
• Thermal blanket and extra sweaters

She updates her kit every six months and has a weekly phone call with her nephew. When a power outage hit during a windstorm, she used her radio to get alerts and stayed warm with her blankets.

Example 2: The Chen Family — 4 People, Two Young Children, Richmond District

The Chens have two toddlers and work remote jobs. Their kit includes:

• Extra formula, baby food, and diapers (30-day supply)
• Child-safe masks (KN95 with fun designs to encourage use)
• Color-coded bins for each family member
• Printed evacuation plan with meeting point at Golden Gate Park
• Board games and coloring books for downtime
• Backup baby monitor powered by batteries

They joined their neighborhood’s WhatsApp group and coordinate food drops with other families. When a local school closed due to illness, they used their kit to stay home safely for two weeks.

Example 3: Javier, Non-English Speaker, Mission District

Javier, who speaks only Spanish, works in food service. He used free materials from Asian Health Services to build his kit:

• Translated instructions in Spanish
• Medication list with pictograms
• Water jugs and canned food from the Mission Food Bank
• Printed list of Spanish-speaking neighbors
• Small radio with Spanish-language emergency broadcasts

He teaches his daughter how to use the kit. When his building had a water shutoff, he used his stored water and knew where to get more from the city’s emergency distribution site.

FAQs

How much should I spend on a pandemic prep kit in San Francisco?

You can build a basic kit for under $200. Focus on essentials: water, food, meds, PPE, and communication tools. Avoid expensive gadgets. Many items can be bought gradually or sourced for free through community programs.

Do I need to store my kit in a special container?

Yes. Use waterproof, stackable plastic bins with lids. Avoid cardboard boxes — they degrade with moisture. Label each bin clearly. Keep them off the floor in case of flooding.

Can I reuse masks and gloves?

N95 masks can be reused if stored properly in a paper bag for 3–5 days between uses. Gloves should be disposable. Wash cloth masks after each use. Never reuse single-use medical gloves.

What if I can’t afford to stockpile everything?

Start with water and meds. Then add one item per week. Many SF nonprofits offer free hygiene kits, food boxes, and masks. Visit sfdph.org or call 311 for assistance.

How often should I update my kit?

Check expiration dates monthly. Replace food and water every 6 months. Update documents and contact lists annually. Reassess needs when your household changes (new baby, new medication, etc.).

Should I keep my kit in my car?

Only if you have a go-bag for evacuation. Extreme heat or cold in San Francisco can damage medications and electronics. Store your main kit indoors, in a cool, dry place.

What if I live in an apartment building?

Know your building’s emergency plan. Coordinate with neighbors. Store your kit in your unit, not the common area. Ensure your go-bag is always ready by the door.

Are there free pandemic prep workshops in San Francisco?

Yes. The SF Office of Emergency Management hosts free virtual and in-person workshops. Check sf.gov/emergency-preparedness/events for schedules. Libraries and community centers also offer sessions.

Conclusion

Building a pandemic prep kit in San Francisco isn’t about fear — it’s about empowerment. It’s about recognizing that in a city shaped by earthquakes, wildfires, and global health threats, preparedness is a form of resilience. It’s about ensuring your family, your neighbors, and your community can survive — and even thrive — when uncertainty strikes.

This guide has walked you through the practical, cultural, and environmental factors that make San Francisco unique. From selecting the right masks to connecting with mutual aid networks, every step you take adds a layer of security. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be ready.

Start today. Add one item to your kit. Talk to a neighbor. Download Notify SF. Share this guide with someone who needs it. In a city that has weathered countless crises, your preparedness isn’t just personal — it’s communal. And together, we don’t just survive. We adapt. We endure. We rise.