Make a Family Disaster Supplies Kit

Water

Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, and two quarts for food preparation/sanitation).

·         A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments & intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers & ill people will need more water.

·         Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household. If using powdered milk, store extra water.

·         If you have questions about the quality of the water, purify it before drinking. You can heat water to a rolling boil for ten minutes or use commercial purification tablets to purify the water. You can also use household liquid chlorine bleach if it is pure, unscented 5.25% sodium hypochlorite.

Use the following table as a guide:

After adding bleach, shake or stir the water container and let it stand thirty minutes before drinking.

Food

Store at least a 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food. Select food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking with little or no water. Select food that is compact & lightweight. Consider packing a heat source for hot food.

·         Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits & vegetables

·         Canned juices, milk, soup

·         Staples like sugar, salt and pepper

·         High energy foods like peanut butter, granola bars, and trail mix

·         Vitamins

·         Food for infants, elderly persons or persons with special diets

·         Comfort and stress food like cookies, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, and tea bags

First Aid

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

·         Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

·         2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

·         4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

·         Hypoallergenic adhesive tape

·         Assorted sterile bandages

·         Scissors

·         Moistened towelettes

·         Cleansing agent/soap

·         Latex gloves (2 pair)

·         Sunscreen

Non-prescription drugs:

·         Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

·         Anti-diarrhea medication

Tools and Supplies

·         Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

·         Emergency preparedness manual

·         Battery operated radio & extra batteries

·         Flashlight & extra batteries

·         Cash or traveler’s checks

·         Non-electric can opener, and utility knife

·         Fire extinguisher

·         Tent, rope and plastic sheeting

·         Compass

·         Basic tool kit

·         Matches in a waterproof container

·         Paper, pencil and tape

·         Shut-off wrench for utilities

·         Whistle

·         Area map for locating shelters

·         Extra set of keys

Sanitation

·         Toilet paper, towelettes

·         Soap, liquid detergent

·         Feminine supplies

·         Personal hygiene items

·         Plastic garbage bags/ties for personal sanitation

·         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 & gloves

·         Thermal underwear

·         Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.

For Baby

·         Formula

·         Diapers

·         Bottles

·         Powdered milk

·         Medications

For Adults

·         Important medications

·         Denture needs

·         Contact lenses & supplies

·         Extra eye glasses

·         Entertainment - games & books

·         Important family documents - keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.

·         Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, and stocks & bonds

·         Passports, Social Security cards, and immunization records

·         Bank account numbers

·         Credit card account numbers and companies

·         Inventory of valuable household goods

Pet Smart

·         Food, water, bowls and can opener

·         Medications and medical records

·         Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers

·         Current photos of pets

·         Written information should include feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavioral problems, and name and phone number of veterinarian.