Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. The American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommend specific supplies to help you survive disasters. Once a disaster hits, you won’t have time to look for supplies.
Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include: a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or a duffle bag. Six basics you should stock are: water, food, first aid kit, tools and supplies, clothing and bedding and special items.
Here is a checklist you can use when preparing your Kit:
Water
Water should be stored in plastic containers such as soft drink
bottles. 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 tomorrow.
Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation).
Purifying agents.
Food
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.
Include a selection from the following:
Ready-to-eat canned maests, fruits and vegetables
Smoked or dried meats such as beef jerky
Juice – canned, powdered or crystrallized
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
First Aid Kit
You should have two first aid kits – one for your home, the other for
your car.
An emergency first aid kit should include:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
2 and 3-inch sterile gauze pads
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Triangular bandages
2 and 3-inch sterile roller bandages
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Safety razor blade
Bar of soap
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic spray
Thermometer
Tongue blades and wooden applicator sticks
Tube of petroleum jelly
Assorted safety pins
Latex gloves
Non-Prescription Drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid
Emetic (use to induce vomitting 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)
Tools and Supplies
Include a selection from the following:
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
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Sanitation
Toilet paper, towelettes
Soap, liquid detergent
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Plastic garbage bags
Small shovel
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 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
Important Family Documents
Keep important records in a waterproof, portable container
