Emergency-Disaster Preparedness

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT:

Once disaster hits, you will not have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

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.

Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit

Assemble enough supplies to last for 3 days in case you might need to evacuation. Store them in an easy-to-carry container, such as a backpack or duffel bag, and place them in an easily-accessible location.

Include:

  • A supply of water (one gallon per family member per day). Store water in sealed, unbreakable containers. Identify the storage date and replace every six months.

  • A supply of non-perishable package or canned food and a non-electric can opener. (Non-perishable food, ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water.

  • Change of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes

  • First aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Extra pair of glasses

  • Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries

  • Credit Cards and cash

  • Extra set of car keys

  • List of family physicians

  • List of important family information; the style and serial number of medical devices, such as pacemakers

  • Store back-up equipment, such as a manual wheelchair, at a neighbor’s home

  • Extra oxygen, medication, food for guide or service dogs or other special equipment you might need.

Tools and Supplies:

  • Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils

  • Emergency preparedness manual

  • Flashlight and extra batteries

  • Cash or traveler’s checks, change

  • Tent, compass

  • Pliers, utility knife

  • Matches in a waterproof container

  • Aluminum foil, Plastic storage container

  • Signal flare, tape

  • Paper, pencil, map of area

  • 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, ties

  • Plastic bucket with tight lid

  • Disinfectant, household chlorine bleach

Special Items for Infants, Elderly, or disabled family members:

For Baby:

  • Formula

  • Diapers

  • Bottles

  • Powdered milk

  • Medications

For Adults:

  • Prescription drugs

  • Denture needs

  • Contact lenses and supplies

  • Extra eye glasses

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

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

  • Bank account and credit card information

  • Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers

  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)