Emergency season got off to an early start in 2020. Though the Atlantic Hurricane season officially starts on June 1, the first named storm of the season -- Tropical Storm Arthur -- started forming off the U.S. East Coast on May 17. This April set a record for the number of tornadoes recorded in the U.S., with 351 twisters (and 40 fatalities). And, of course, there's the COVID-19 pandemic, which is both an emergency of its own and complicates responses to traditional troubles like storms, wildfire, earthquakes.

Now more than ever, you need to be prepared to survive on your own in the case of disaster -- days without power, food or water from the tap. And even as much of the country begins to emerge from coronavirus lockdown, don't rule out new waves of infection that could send people back inside.

Time to assemble a home emergency kit that covers all of these scenarios. Have a look even if you think you're fully prepped. Guidelines change, new technologies emerge -- and some of your stash may have deteriorated.

Masks

Courtesy 3M

We've recommended masks as part of home emergency kit