A disaster supplies kit is simply a collection of basic items your
household may need in the event of an emergency.
Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may
have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you.
You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need
or shop for them.
You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means
having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient
quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief
workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach
everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take
days.
Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage
treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or
longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage
during these outages.
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
Consider the following things when putting together your emergency
food supplies:
- Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
- Choose foods your family will eat.
- Remember any special dietary needs.
- Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
- Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with
high liquid content.
- Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for
several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that
do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special
preparation.
- Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils.
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A
normally active person needs at least one gallon of water daily just
for drinking however individual needs vary, depending on age,
physical condition, activity, diet and climate.
To determine your water needs, take the following into
account:
- One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and
sanitation.
- Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more
water.
- A medical emergency might require additional water.
- If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be
necessary.
- In very hot temperatures, water needs can double.
- Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
Just as important as putting your supplies together is maintaining
them so they are safe to use when needed. Here are some tips to keep
your supplies ready and in good condition:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers to
protect from pests and to extend its shelf life.
- Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or
corroded.
- Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh
supplies.
- Place new items at the back of the storage area and older ones in
the front.
- Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be sure to
write the date you store it on all containers.
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family's
needs change.
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster
supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers, such as an
unused trashcan, camping backpack or duffel bag.
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs,
prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
Home
Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food, water and
supplies for at least three days.
Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you
have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know
where the kit is kept.
Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for
sheltering for up to two weeks.
Work
You need to be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours.
Make sure you have food and water and other necessities like
medicines in your kit. Also, be sure to have comfortable walking
shoes at your workplace in case an evacuation requires walking long
distances.
Your kit should also be in one container and ready to "grab and go"
in case you are evacuated from your workplace.
Vehicle
In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your
car. This kit should include:
- Jumper cables
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away
from home for a prolonged time
- Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars;
canned fruit and a portable can opener
- Water for each person and pet in your car
- AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency
messages
- Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
- Shovel
- Ice scraper
- Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra
change of clothes
- Blankets or sleeping bags
Also consider:
- A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
Be prepared for an emergency by keeping your gas tank full and if
you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on
your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.
