Help protect your family against potential weather disasters and emergency situations by compiling an emergency supply kit.
The kit can be assembled over a five-month period on a weekly basis. Perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months.
Essentials
- Battery-operated radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Do not include candles, which cause more fires after a disaster than anything else
Water
- 3 gallons/person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container Additional water for sanitation
Food
Minimum three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water.
- Dry cereal
- Canned juice
- Peanut butter
- Ready-to-eat canned meats
- Canned fruits
- Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated)
- Canned vegetables
- Quick energy snacks, graham crackers
First Aid Kit
Create one for your home and one for each car.
- Scissors
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Thermometer
- 2" sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Tweezers
- 4" sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Needle
- 2" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Sunscreen
- 3" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Triangular bandages (3)
- Latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Tongue blades (2)
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Moistened towelettes
Non-Prescription Drugs
- Laxative
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Syrup of ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Tools and Supplies
- Whistle
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- Crowbar
- Aluminum foil
- Paper, pencil
- Plastic sheeting
- Medicine dropper
- Compass
- Needles, thread
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Signal flare
- Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
- Assorted nails, wood screws
- Heavy cotton or hemp rope
- Plastic storage containers
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife
- Cash or traveler's checks, change
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Tape, duct and plumber's tape or strap iron
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires
Sanitation
- Disinfectant
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Household chlorine bleach
- Feminine supplies
- Personal hygiene items
- Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
Clothing and Bedding
- Sunglasses
- Hat and gloves
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- One complete change of clothing and footwear per person
- Rain gear
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Thermal underwear
For Baby
- Formula
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Diapers
- Medication
For Pets
- Food
- Leash, harness or carrier
- Records of vaccinations
- Non-tippable food and water containers
Important Family Documents
- Important telephone numbers
- Record of bank account numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Inventory of valuable household goods
- Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Record of credit card account numbers and companies
- Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records
Family Medical Needs
- Insulin
- Prescription drugs
- Denture needs
- Extra eye glasses
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
Entertainment
Some content was contributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
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