Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. Your family will cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
There are six basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid kit, non-prescription drugs, tools and supplies, sanitation, clothing and bedding, special items, and important family documents. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy to carry container - suggested items are marked with an (*). Possible containers include a suitcase with wheels (easy to carry & move), large covered trash container with wheels, camping backpack, or a duffel bag.
Water should be stored in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as mason jars or glass bottles. Never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation)*
- Purifying agents (see note below)
- Water Cooler
Note: Water can be purified by adding 10 drops of bleach to one gallon of water (use only regular household bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypochlorite)
Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight:
- Non-electric can opener
- Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Smoked or dried meats such as beef jerky
- Juices - canned, powdered or crystallized
- Soups - bouillon cubes or dried "soups in a cup"
- Milk - powdered or canned
- Staples - sugar, salt, pepper
- High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health food bars, trail mix
- Stress foods - sugar cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals
- Vitamins
You should have two first aid kits - one for your home, the other for your car, if you have one. An emergency first aid kit should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes*
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)*
- 3-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)*
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape*
- Triangular bandages (3)*
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)*
- Scissors*
- Tweezers*
- Needle*
- Safety razor blade*
- Bar of Soap*
- Moistened towelettes (8-10 individual packages)*
- Antiseptic spray*
- Thermometer
- Tongue blades and wooden applicator sticks
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever (ibuprofen)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Emetic (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Laxative
- Eye wash
- Rubbing alcohol
- Antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils*
- Emergency preparedness manual*
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries*
- Flashlight and extra batteries*
- Cash or traveler's checks, change*
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
- Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
- Air Horn or Megaphone
- Tube tent
- Pliers
- Tape
- Compass
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic storage containers
- Signal flare
- Paper, pencil
- Needles, thread
- Medicine dropper
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
Sanitation (include in your Tools and Supplies)
- Toilet paper, towelettes*
- Soap, liquid detergent*
- Feminine supplies*
- Personal hygiene items*
- Bug spray
- Calamine lotion
- Plastic garbage bags, ties
- Small shovel, for digging an expedient latrine
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Sturdy shoes or work boots*
- Rain gear*
- Blankets or sleeping bags*
- Hat and gloves
- Socks and underwear*
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Remember family members with special needs such as infants, elderly, or disabled individuals.
For Baby*
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
For Adults*
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
- Insulin
- Prescription drugs
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Extra eye glasses
Entertainment
- Games for children
- Books for adults
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container (also keep a copy of these items in a safe deposit box, along with a video tape of valuable/irreplaceable items).
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Passports, social security cards, immunization records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and companies
- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)