Family Disaster Supplies Kit

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.