You and your family can cope best by preparing
for 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).
G ather the supplies that are listed. You and your family may need them. Place
the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
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 (two quarts for drinking, two quarts
for food preparation/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 non-perishable 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 and vegetables
Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
Staples: sugar, salt, pepper
High energy foods: peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
Vitamins
Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
Assemble a first aid 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)
Scissors
Tweezers
Needle
Moistened towelettes
Antiseptic
Thermometer
Tongue blades (2)
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Latex gloves (2 pair)
Sunscreen
NON-PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control
Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.
TOOLS & SUPPLIES
There are six basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid supplies,
clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep the items
that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container,
suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large,
covered trash container; a camping backpack; or a duffle bag.
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*
Nonelectric 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
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)
SANITATION
Toilet paper, towelettes*
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 & BEDDING
* Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Sturdy shoes or work boots*
Hat and gloves
Rain gear*
Thermal underwear
Blankets or sleeping bags*
Sunglasses
SPECIAL ITEMS
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled
persons.
For Baby* definition - medical term
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
For Adults* definition - medical term
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment: games and books.
IMPORTANT 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)
SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a
smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in air-tight plastic bags.
Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
Rotate 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.
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