| 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
-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)
-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.
All
information regarding emergency kits obtained from
American Red Cross
|