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.
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.
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
First Aid Kit
- Antiseptic
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing soap / agent
- Four-inch sterile gauze pads (four - Six)
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Latex gloves (two pair)
- Moistened towelettes
- Needle
- Non-prescription drugs
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Laxative
- Pain reliever (aspirin or non-aspirin)
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center
- Scissors
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes.
- Sunscreen
- Thermometer
- Three-inch sterile roller bandages (three rolls)
- Tongue blades (two)
- Triangular bandages (three)
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Tweezers
- Two-inch sterile gauze pads (four - Six)
- Two-inch sterile roller bandages (three rolls)
Clothing and Bedding
- Sturdy work shoes or work boots
- Hat and gloves
- Rain gear
- Thermal underwear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Sunglasses
Food
- If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Include a selection of the following foods:
- Canned juices, milk, and soup (if powdered, store extra water).
- Comfort / stress foods: cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, and tea
- Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
- High energy foods: peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola mix, and trail mix
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Sugar, salt, and pepper
- Vitamins
- Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
- Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water.
- Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
Water
- 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.
- Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation / sanitation).
- 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.
For Adults
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Denture needs
- Extra eye glasses
- Face coverings and disinfectants to protect against COVID-19.
- Prescription medications
For Children
- Books
- Coloring books and crayons
- Face coverings for children over the age of 2.
- Games
For Infants
- Bottles
- Diapers
- Formula
- Medications
- Powdered milk
For Pets
- A selfie with them in case you get separated.
- Medicine & grooming items.
- Collar with an ID & a leash.
Tools & Other Supplies
- Aluminum foil
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Compass
- Disinfectant
- Family Disaster Plan
- Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
- Flash light and extra batteries
- Household chlorine bleach
- Manual can opener and utility knife
- Map of the area
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Medicine dropper
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
- Needles and thread
- Paper and pencil
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Plastic garbage bags and ties (for personal sanitation use)
- Plastic sheeting
- Plastic storage containers
- Pliers
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- Signal flare
- Tape
- Toilet paper, towelettes, and personal hygiene items
- Tube tent
- Whistle
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.