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.