Disasters can occur unpredictably and anywhere, so it is important to be ready when they do happen. If there is a hazardous material incident, it may require evacuation. During a winter storm, your family might be confined to your home. A tornado or another disaster could result in days without water, electricity, or phone services. Although local officials and relief workers will be present after a disaster, it may take time for them to reach everyone. Therefore, it is crucial for your family to be prepared to handle the emergency until assistance arrives. The best way to cope is by preparing for a disaster beforehand. One method of preparation is to gather a Disaster Supplies Kit. It would be impractical to shop or search for supplies once the disaster strikes. By being proactive and collecting necessary items in advance, your family will have a better chance of survival during an emergency. It is recommended for families to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 3 to 5 days.
To Prepare A Kit
- Make and review a checklist.
- Gather the supplies that are listed.
- Place the supplies you’d most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
- There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items such as medicine and even extra cash. 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
- a Tupperware style container
Water
- Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles. Food grade drums or jugs are a good choice.
- Store at least one gallon of water per person- per day. Don’t forget drinking requirements for any pets.
- Keep at a minimum a three-day supply of per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts of water 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.
- If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno.
- Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
- Include a selection of Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and non-perishable high protein snacks
First-Aid Kit
First, you should gather the materials required to create a first-aid kit for your home and also one for each of your cars. The contents of a proper first-aid kit should consist of the following items:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pair)
- Sunscreen
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Triangular bandages (3)
- Non-prescription drugs
- 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
Non-Prescription Drugs.
- Aspirin or non-aspirin 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)
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 A-B-C type
- Tube tent
- Pliers
- Duct Tape
- Masking 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 and Bedding
- At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Bath towels
- Hat and gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
The size is large; it remains at home.
- Large capacity water for whole family
- Food supplies for whole family
- Toiletries and medications
- Toys/books for children
- Cash
- Pet food and supplies
- Tools
- Large size first aid kit
- AM/FM radio and FRS radios
- Important documents
- Plug-in analog phone
- Cash
- Important documents
- Activity items for adults (cards) and kids (coloring books)
- Blankets or sleeping bags for each member of the family
- Radio – portable, with spare batteries
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Additional equipment – glasses, dentures, hearing aids
- Flashlight – spare batteries and light bulb
- Fire extinguisher – multipurpose labeled “ABC”
- Whistle
- Dust mask
Compact; Portable.
- Small flashlight
- Whistle
- Multi-use tool
- Cellphone charger or batteries
Small to medium-sized; Suitable for home use and should be easily portable in case of home evacuation.
For your emergency supplies to be considered sufficient, you need to have at least these 10 essential items.
- Water for 7-10 days (1 gallon per person per day)
- Food for 7-10 days (including pet food)
- First Aid Kit and Instructions
- Flashlights (and extra batteries)
- Radio (and extra batteries)
- Medications (prescription and non-prescription)
- Cash and important documents (small bills and coins, birth certificates, tax returns, deeds, titles, insurance papers, medical cards)
- Clothing and sturdy shoes
- Tools (wrench, duct tape, fire extinguisher, sturdy gloves, whistle)
- Sanitation and hygiene supplies
Medium: Inside the trunk of your vehicle
- Flashlight / batteries
- Cellphone charger
- Sun hat
- Jacket
- Shoes
- Gloves
- Water
- Blanket
- Snacks/Food
- Medium Size First Aid Kit
At your work station/area, make sure it is small to medium in size.
- Change of clothes
- Food/snacks
- Medications
- Sunhat (for evacuations)
- Toiletries
Storing Your Disaster Kit
Make sure to keep your kit in a place that is easily accessible and known to all members of your family. Also, consider keeping a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in your car’s trunk. It is advisable to store items in plastic bags that are sealed tightly. To ensure freshness, it is recommended to change your stored water supply every six months. Similarly, it is important to replace your stored food every six months. Re-evaluate your kit and family’s needs at least once a year, making necessary updates such as replacing batteries and clothes. Don’t forget to consult your physician or pharmacist for guidance on proper storage of prescription medications.
