Title
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
Sections
[ expand/close all ]
Store one gallon of water (two quarts for drinking, and two quarts for food preparation/sanitation) per person per day with a minimum three-day supply.
- 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. After adding bleach, shake or stir the water container and let stand for thirty minutes before drinking.
Store at least a three to five day supply of non-perishable food. Select food that requires no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking that contains 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 such as sugar, salt and pepper
- High energy foods like peanut butter, granola bars, & trail mix
- Vitamins
- Food for infants, elderly persons or persons with special diets
- Comfort and stress food like cookies, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, & tea bags
You should assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each of your cars.
- 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
- Moist towelettes
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Sunscreen
- Non-prescription drugs
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Paper cups, plates, & plastic utensils
- Emergency preparedness manual
- Battery operated radio & extra batteries
- Flashlight & extra batteries
- Cash or traveler’s checks
- Non-electric can opener & utility knife
- Fire extinguisher
- Tent, ropes, & plastic sheeting
- Compass
- Basic tool kit
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Paper, pencil, & tape
- Shut-off wrench for utilities
- Whistle
- Area map for locating shelters
- Extra set of keys
Sanitation
- Toilet paper & towelettes
- Soap & liquid detergent
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Plastic garbage bags/ties for personal sanitation
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
In addition to at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, include
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hat & gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Don't forget family members with special needs, such as infants, elderly or disabled persons, and pets.
Babies
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medication
Adults
- Important medications
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses & supplies
- Extra eye glasses
- Entertainment (games & books)
- Important family documents (in a waterproof, portable container)
- Will
- Insurance policies
- Contracts
- Deeds
- Stocks & bonds
- Passports
- Social Security cards
- Immunization records
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and company names
- Inventory of valuable household goods
Pets
- Food, water, bowls, & can opener
- Medications & medical records
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, & carriers
- Current photos
- Written information should include feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavioral problems, and veterinarian contact information.