Emergency Kit for Your Mamad — Complete Preparation Guide

Why You Need an Emergency Kit in Your Mamad

When a siren sounds, you have between 15 seconds and 90 seconds to enter your mamad and close the door. If your emergency kit is already prepared and organized inside the room, you save precious time and reduce stress. According to Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) guidelines, every family should maintain emergency supplies sufficient for at least 72 hours.

Magen David Adom emphasizes that advance preparation saves lives — not only physically, but also mentally. When you know you are prepared, anxiety drops significantly during an actual event.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Water and Food

The Home Front Command recommends 10 liters of water per person for 3 days. For a family of four, that means 40 liters. Store water in sealed containers and check expiration dates every 6 months.

For food, choose items that require no refrigeration or cooking:

• Canned goods (tuna, corn, beans) — 6-8 cans per family
• Granola bars and dried fruits
• Crackers and vacuum-sealed bread
• Nuts and trail mix
• Baby food and formula (if applicable)
• Manual can opener

Step 2: Lighting and Communication

Power outages are common during attacks. Make sure you have:

• LED flashlight with extra batteries (at least 2 flashlights)
• Battery-powered radio or hand-crank radio — this is your link to official updates from Home Front Command
• Portable charger (power bank) — at least 20,000mAh, pre-charged
• Spare batteries in the correct sizes

Step 3: First Aid and Medications

• Basic first aid kit (bandages, gauze, antiseptic)
• Prescription medications for 7 days for every family member
• Pain relievers (paracetamol, ibuprofen)
• Children’s medications (age-appropriate)
• N95 dust masks

Step 4: Documents and Cash

Prepare a waterproof pouch with:

• Copies of ID cards and passports
• Insurance policies
• Important medical records
• Cash (500-1,000 NIS in small bills)
• Handwritten list of important phone numbers

Step 5: Additional Supplies

• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Warm clothing (winter) / light clothing (summer)
• Hygiene kit (toilet paper, wet wipes, soap, hand sanitizer)
• Plastic bags (for waste)
• Multi-tool or utility knife
• Whistle (for signaling if needed)
• Card games, books, drawing supplies for children

Quick Checklist

• Water — 10 liters per person
• Food for 72 hours (no refrigeration needed)
• Flashlights and batteries
• Battery-powered radio
• Charged power bank
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications for 7 days
• Important documents (copies)
• Cash
• Blankets and clothing
• Hygiene kit
• Supplies for children and/or pets

Kit Maintenance

An emergency kit requires regular inspection. Set a reminder every 6 months:

1. Check expiration dates on water, food, and medications
2. Replace batteries
3. Make sure the power bank is charged
4. Update documents and phone numbers
5. Adjust supplies for children’s ages and the current season

Resources

• Home Front Command (Pikud HaOref) — official emergency preparedness guidelines
• Magen David Adom — first aid courses and medical information
• Use our shelter map to find a public shelter near you