Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a camping backpack or a duffle bag. These supplies are listed with an asterick (*)
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 2 quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activitiy can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day. (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation
- and sanitation).*
- Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.
FOOD
Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Select foods that require no
refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno.
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 & vegetables.
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water).
- Staples such as sugar, salt, pepper.
- High-energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix.
- Vitamins
- Foods for infants, elderly person or persons with special diets.
- Comfort/stress food – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereal, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags.
FIRST-AID KIT
Assemble a kit for your home and one for each car. A first-aid kit* should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages (3)
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Moistened towelettes
- Thermometer (medical)
- Sunscreen
- Scissors
- Needles
- Tweezers
- Antiseptic
- Tongue depressor (2)
Non-prescription drugs
- Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Laxative
TOOLS and SANITATION
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and utensils*
- Battery operated radio and extra batteries*
- Flashlight and extra batteries*
- Cash, traveler’s checks, change*
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)*
- Emergency Preparedness Manual*
- Fire extinguisher: small – ABC type
- Tent
- Compass
- Whistle
- Pliers
- Paper, pencil
- Plastic sheeting
- Tape (duct)
- Signal flare
- Medicine dropper
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Plastic storage containers, bags
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off house gas & water
- Sewing kit (needles, thread)
- Aluminum foil
Sanitation
- Toilet paper, towelettes*
- Soap, liquid detergent*
- Feminine supplies*
- Plastic garbage bags, ties
- 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*
- Blankets or sleeping bags*
- Thermal underwear
- Rain gear*
- Sunglasses
- Hat and gloves
SPECIAL ITEMS
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
For Baby*
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Medications
- Powdered Milk
For Adults*
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
- Other prescription drugs
- Insulin
- Extra eye glasses
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Denture needs
IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds.
- Passports, social security cards, immunization records.
Suggestions and Reminders
- Store your kit in a place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the kit in your car.
- Keep items in air tight plastic bags.
- Change stored water every 6 months so it stays fresh. Rotate your stored food every 6 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.