Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

 

The basic items that should be stored in your home are water, food, first-aid supplies, a fire extinguishers, clothing and bedding, tools, emergency supplies and specialty items. Keep the items that you would most likely need at home in one easy-to-carry container such as a trash can, plastic storage container, camping backpack or duffel bag. Store it in a convenient place, and put a smaller version in your car. Remember to change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months. Consult your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications, and maintain a list of your prescription needs.

 

Water

Purchase bottled water, or store tap water in clean, airtight plastic containers. Avoid containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles. Plan to have one gallon of water per person per day available. Water should be stored in a cool, dark place with the date labeled on the container. Having some water purification tablets on hand could also be useful in the event of an extended water service outage.

Food

Store a three- to five-day supply of nonperishable food per person. Foods should require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little or no water. Examples include:

 

-       ready-to-eat canned meats	-       fruits and vegetables
-       canned or boxed juices	-       powdered milk and soup
-       condiments such as sugar, salt and pepper	-       high-energy food like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars, trail mix, and vitamins
-       foods for infants or individuals on special diets	-       cookies
-       hard candy; instant coffee and sweetened cereals.

 

Bulk food items such as wheat, powdered milk, corn and soybeans can be stored for extended periods.

First-Aid Kit

Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and each vehicle. Items should include:

 

-       sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes	-       gauze pads
-       hypoallergenic adhesive tape	-       triangular bandages
-       sterile gauze roll bandages	-       Ace bandages
-       scissors	-       tweezers
-       needle	-       moistened towelettes
-       antiseptic	-       thermometer
-       tongue depressors	-       tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
-       safety pins	-       cleansing soap
-       latex gloves and sunscreen

 

Other items include aspirin or other pain medication, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids and laxatives.

Tools and Supplies

Keep the following items handy for all-around use:

 

-       battery-powered radio	-       whistle, plastic sheeting and local map
-       extra batteries of assorted sizes (check shelf life    before purchasing)	-       flashlight
	-       duct tape
-       aluminum foil	-       rope
-       bow saw	-       mess kits or paper cups
-       plates and plastic utensils	-       cash / coins and/or traveler’s checks
-       non-electric can opener and utility knife	-       small fire extinguisher
-       tube tent	-       pliers
-       adjustable wrench	-       compass
-       waterproof matches	-       plastic storage containers
-       signal flares	-       paper and pencil or pen
-       needles and thread	-       medicine dropper

 

Keep the following items available for sanitation purpose:

 

-          packaged toilet paper	-          soap and liquid detergent
-          feminine supplies	-          plastic garbage bags with ties
-          a plastic bucket and lid	-          disinfectant and household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

Assemble one or two complete changes of clothing per person, sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, hat and gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.

 

Specialty Items to consider

Infants and small children—formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk and medication.

Adults—medications, prescriptions, denture needs, eyeglasses and/or contact lenses and related supplies, personal hygiene items.

Entertainment—games, books and several quiet toys for children.

Important Family Documents—wills, insurance policies, bank account numbers, contracts, deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, immunization records, important phone numbers, credit card accounts, Social Security cards and other personal family records.