Disaster Supplies Kit

In Case of an Emergency

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. In the event it would take hours, or days would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives? Disasters happen anytime and anywhere, possibly leaving you with little time to respond. A highway spill of hazardous materials could mean instant evacuation, while a winter storm could confine your family at home. Other emergencies could cut off basic services such as gas, water, electricity and telephones, for days.

Emergency Prep check list and items hand holding pen with clipboard

Disaster Supplies Kit

Your family will cope best by preparing for disasters before they happen. One way is by assembling a disaster supplies kit. Once disaster hits, you won’t have much time to prepare or search for supplies. If you have gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Basics

There are basics you should stock in your disaster supplies kit: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items, such as face coverings and disinfectants to help protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Keep your supplies in an easy-to-carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack or duffel bag.

Supplies

To prepare your kit, review the checklists of suggested items below.

  1. Documents
  2. First Aid, Clothing & Bedding
  3. Food & Water
  4. Special Items
  5. Tools & Other Supplies

Important Family Documents

  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card account numbers and companies
  • Deeds, stocks, and bonds
  • Family records (birth, marriage, and death certificates)
  • Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
  • Passports, social security cards, and immunization records
  • Wills, insurance policies, contracts

Maintenance

  • Change your stored water supply every six months.
  • Keep a smaller version of the disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.
  • Keep items in airtight plastic bags.
  • Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
  • Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.