Short answer. CENAPRED's emergency backpack holds non-perishable food and bottled water for the first 48 hours, sized for two people, plus a contact directory, hygiene items, two or three changes of clothing, a first-aid kit, a radio and flashlight with spare batteries, documents on a USB stick, tools and cash 1. A second CENAPRED list adds a whistle, warm clothing and a copy of the house keys 2.
What is on the official list?
Most official items carry no quantity. Where a source gives one, it is shown.
| Item | Quantity | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Non-perishable food and bottled water | For the first 48 hours (backpack for two people) | 1 |
| Directory of relatives, schools, emergency services and Civil Protection | 1 | 1 |
| Personal hygiene items | Not specified | 1 |
| Changes of clothing | 2 or 3 | 1 |
| First-aid kit | 1 | 1 |
| Portable radio and flashlight | 1 each, with spare batteries | 1 |
| ID and important documents saved on a USB stick | 1 | 1 |
| Tools for simple repairs, and cash | Not specified | 1 |
| Feminine hygiene products | Not specified | 1 |
| Lighter or matches | Not specified | 2 |
| Whistle, to call for help if trapped | 1 | 2 |
| Warm clothing: blanket, raincoat, spare shoes | Not specified | 2 |
| Copy of house keys | 1 | 2 |
| Baby and care items (bottles, baby food, medicines, tinned milk, nappies), where needed | Not specified | 2 |
| Canned food and bottled water (home stock) | For two days | 3 |
| Toolbox for emergency repairs | 1 | 3 |
What goes in the first-aid kit?
The annex of the family plan booklet lists alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin, adhesive tape, plasters of several sizes, antibacterial soap, gauze, cotton, elastic bandages, a thermometer, scissors, tweezers, water purification tablets or drops, a first-aid manual and the family's own prescription medicines 3. Our first-aid kit guide compares this with other agencies' lists.
What is the reserve box?
Beyond the backpack, CENAPRED asks you to plan a reserve box that lets you get through two more days if the emergency continues 1. The official pages do not itemise it separately; the home stock in the family plan booklet (canned food and bottled water for two days) is the closest official description 3. Quantities and duration are explained on our Mexico emergency supplies page.
How should the kit be stored?
Keep the backpack easily accessible, and consider leaving copies of documents with a relative who lives elsewhere 3. Check expiry dates of food and water periodically 3.
How do you adapt the list to your household?
Compare any ready-made kit against the table above and add what your household needs: medicines, baby items, and extra backpacks for households larger than two people, since CENAPRED sizes the backpack for two 1.
Frequently asked questions
Why store documents on a USB stick?
CENAPRED lists ID and important documents saved on a USB stick as a backpack item 1. Our important documents guide lists what to include.
Why a whistle?
CENAPRED includes a whistle so you can call for help if you are trapped 2.
Does the list include babies and pets?
Baby items are on CENAPRED's list where needed 2; see our infant supplies guide. Pets are not on the official lists; see our pets guide.
Which radio should I choose?
The list only asks for a portable radio with spare batteries 1. Our emergency radio guide explains the options.
Sources
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) — Prepara tu mochila de emergencia. ¡No lo pienses! — https://www.gob.mx/cenapred/articulos/prepara-tu-mochila-de-emergencia-no-lo-pienses (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) — ¡Sácate un 10 en tu mochila de emergencia! — https://www.gob.mx/cenapred/articulos/sacate-un-10-en-tu-mochila-de-emergencia (accessed 2026-10-20)
- CENAPRED / Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana — Elabora tu Plan Familiar de Protección Civil — https://simulacronacional.sspc.gob.mx/PDF/175-FOLLETOPLANFAMILIARDEPROTECCINCIVIL.pdf (accessed 2026-10-20)
Turn this into action
Your plan for Mexico, worked out for your household.
- Water, food and equipment counted for each person and pet
- The nuclear plants and zones around your home
- Phaenyx Safe: one tap to tell your people you are safe
Sources
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) · Prepara tu mochila de emergencia. ¡No lo pienses! checked 2026-10-20
- Centro Nacional de Prevención de Desastres (CENAPRED) · ¡Sácate un 10 en tu mochila de emergencia! checked 2026-10-20
- CENAPRED / Secretaría de Seguridad y Protección Ciudadana · Elabora tu Plan Familiar de Protección Civil checked 2026-10-20