Disaster Preparedness Kits

Emergency Supplies

Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infantformula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

 Water one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation

 Non-perishable Food at least a three-day supply

 Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

 Flashlight and extra batteries (Do not keep batteries in the flashlight or radio. Keep them in an airtight container.) Candles (bowl type). Keep in case of power failure. Bowl will help prevent fire in case candle is overturned. (You can make these inexpensively out of paraffin wax.)

 Candles (bowl type). Keep in case of power failure. Bowl will help prevent fire in case candle is overturned. (You can make these inexpensively out of paraffin wax.)

 Wooden matches. Use for lighting candles and relighting pilots on gas appliances. Be sure matches are kept in a metal container out of the reach of small children.

 Fire extinguisher (ABC or dry chemical type for all classes of fires). Be sure you know how to handle and use it. Check it regularly.

 First Aid kit

First-aid instruction book

Aromatic spirits of ammonia—one unbroken tube

Aspirin—100-count bottle

Calamine lotion (for insect bites, hives from allergic reactions, or exposure to stinging nettle or poison ivy)—one tube

Thermometer—one oral and one rectal for small children or babies

Scissors and tweezers—one of each

Safety pins—one package of assorted sizes

Adhesive tape—one roll

One large box of assorted adhesive bandages

Matches (for sterilizing)—one box of wooden matches

Absorbent cotton—one box

Rubbing alcohol—one unbreakable bottle

Antibiotic ointment (Neosporin or Bacitracin)—one tube

Bicarbonate of soda (used for shock and upset stomach)—one box

Diarrhea remedy (Kaopectate or Pepto Bismol)—one bottle

Elastic bandages (for sprains and aches)—one 3-inch (about 7.5-cm) and one 6-inch (about 15-cm)

Gauze—one roll

Hot water bottle

Hydrogen peroxide—one unbreakable bottle

Ipecac syrup (induces vomiting)—one bottle

Finger splints (popsicle sticks)—ten splints

Roller bandages—two 1-inch (2.5-cm) and two 2-inch (5-cm)

Three-by-three-inch (7.6-cm) sterile pads—one box

Triangle bandages—four or more

Hand soap—one bar

Water purification pills and/or bottle of 2% tincture of iodine

Eye drops and medicine dropper

Razor blades

Needles

Measuring cups

Knife

Soothing throat lozenges—one package.

least four thin board splints 30 inches (about 76 cm) long

Place all these items in a waterproof container (metal, heavy plastic, or wooden).

You may wish to add items to the kit as you need them. For example, if you have small children, you may wish to add liquid acetaminophen. If someone in the family needs special medication, add this to your kit.

Label your supplies, and date all medicines. Check supplies periodically, replacing them as they are used and throwing away old or contaminated supplies. Do not throw old medicines into trash cans around the house, where small children could find and eat them. Instead, flush them down the toilet or dispose of them in some other safe way. Perishable items should be rotated regularly to reduce spoilage.

 Whistle to signal for help

 Filter mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air

 Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

 Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

 Manual can opener if kit contains canned food

 Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

 Important Family Documents

 Items for unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers

 Cell phone and chargers

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:important family documents.

Clothing and Bedding:

 A jacket or coat

 Long pants

 A long sleeve shirt

 Sturdy shoes

 A hat and gloves

 A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person