Supplies kit

Emergency Kits

Stock six basics in your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and special items. Keep the items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container such as a large, covered trash can, camping backpack or duffle bag.

Water

  • Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break.
  • Store one gallon of water per person per day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can require more. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
  • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person: two quarts for drinking, two quarts 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 the following foods:
  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  • Canned juices
  • Staples such salt, sugar, pepper and spices
  • High energy foods
  • Vitamins
  • Food for infants
  • Comfort/stress foods

First aid kit

  • Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
  • 20 adhesive bandages, various sizes
  • 1 5x9 inch sterile dressing
  • 1 conforming roller gauze bandage
  • 2 triangular bandages
  • 2 3x3 inch sterile gauze pads
  • 2 4x4 inch sterile gauze pads
  • 1 roll 3 inch cohesive bandage
  • 2 germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • 6 antiseptic wipes
  • 2 pair large medical grade, non-latex gloves
  • Adhesive tape, 2 inch width
  • Anti-bacterial ointment
  • Cold pack
  • Scissors (small, personal)
  • Tweezers
  • CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield

Non-prescription drugs

  • Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Antacid for stomach upset
  • Syrup of Ipecac, to use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center
  • Laxative
  • Activated charcoal, to 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 and coins
  • 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
  • Signal flare
  • Paper, pencil
  • Needles, thread
  • Medicine dropper
  • 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
  • Hat and gloves
  • Thermal underwear
  • Sunglasses

Special items

  • Remember family members with special needs, such as infants, the elderly or disabled persons

For baby

  • Formula
  • Diapers
  • Bottles
  • Powdered milk
  • Medications

For adults

  • Insulin
  • Prescription drugs
  • Denture needs
  • Contact lenses and supplies
  • Extra eye glasses

Entertainment

  • Games and books

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 numbers
  • Credit card account numbers and companies
  • Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
  • Family records: birth, marriage, death certificates

General information

  • Store your kit in a convenient place, and be sure all family members know where it is.
  • Keep a smaller version of the kit in your car's trunk.
  • Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
  • Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months.
  • Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year and replace batteries.
  • Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

From "Disaster Supplies Kit." developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.