Disaster Supplies
Preparedness
Basic
Disaster Supplies Kit
A basic emergency supply kit could include
the following recommended items:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day
for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of
non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a
NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask to help filter contaminated air
and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic
ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn
off utilities
- Manual can opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar
charger
Once you have gathered the supplies for a
basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Important family documents such as copies
of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof,
portable container. You can use the Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - EFFAK (PDF
- 977Kb) developed by Operation Hope, FEMA and Citizen Corps to help you
organize your information.
- Emergency reference material such as a
first aid book or free information from this web site. (See Publications)
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each
person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a
long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing
if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine
dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used
as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using
16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use
scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene
items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels
and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities
for children
In any emergency a family member or you
yourself may suffer an injury. If you have these basic first aid supplies you
are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt.
Knowing how to treat minor injuries can
make a difference in an emergency. You may consider taking a first aid class,
but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent
infection and assist in decontamination:
- Two pairs of Latex or other sterile gloves
if you are allergic to Latex
- Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
- Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic
towelettes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn ointment
- Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
- Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as
general decontaminant
- Thermometer
- Prescription medications you take every day
such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically
rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose
and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
- Non-prescription drugs:
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid
- Laxative
- Other first aid supplies:
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Remember the unique needs of your family
members, including growing children, when making your emergency supply kit and
family emergency plan.
For Baby:
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
Moist towelettes
Diaper rash ointment
For Adults:
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Extra eye glasses
- Ask your doctor about storing prescription
medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin and other
prescription drugs.
- If you live in a cold
climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will
not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to
include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:
- Jacket or coat
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt