|
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. 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.
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.
-
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person
(two quarts for drinking, two quarts 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
the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
-
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
-
Canned juices
-
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
-
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.
-
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
-
Assorted sizes of safety pins
-
Cleansing agent/soap
-
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
-
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 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)
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 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 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
Special Items
-
Remember family members with special requirements, such
as infants and elderly or disabled persons
For Baby*
-
Formula
-
Diapers
-
Bottles
-
Powdered milk
-
Medications
For Adults*
-
Heart and high blood pressure medication
-
Insulin
-
Prescription drugs
-
Denture needs
-
Contact lenses and supplies
-
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment
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)
-
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family
members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the
trunk of your car.
-
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. Replace batteries,
update clothes, etc.
-
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.
|
