Water
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid
using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or
glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two
quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical
activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill
people will need more.
Store one gallon of water per person per day.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for
drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food
preparation/sanitation).*
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods
that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or
no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include
a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juices
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods
First Aid and Non-Prescription Drugs
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
(1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing.
(1) Roller gauze bandage.
(2) Triangular bandages.
(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
(1) Roll 3" cohesive bandage.
(2) Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
(6) Antiseptic wipes.
(2) Pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
Adhesive tape, 2" width.
Anti-bacterial ointment.
Scissors (small, personal).
Tweezers.
Non-Prescription Drugs
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Laxative
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Tools and Supplies
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
Pliers
Tape
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Sanitation, Clothing and Bedding
Sanitation
Toilet paper, Hand towels
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
*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
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses
Special Items
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and
elderly or disabled persons.
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
Board games and other games that don't require batteries or
electricity, books for adult readers and for children.
For Pets
Do not leave your pets behind.
Securely fasten a current identification tag to your pet's collar and
carry a photograph of your pet. It's important to include the phone
number of a friend or family member on the tag so anyone who may find
your pet is able to reach someone who knows you.
Pack a week's supply of food, water and other provisions, such as
medication or cat litter.
Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. Rescue officials may
not allow you to take your pets if you need to be rescued.
Keep a list of emergency phone numbers (veterinarian, local animal
control, animal shelters, Red Cross, etc.).
Possessions and Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
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)
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep
a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply
every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six
months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year.
Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription
medications.
