Prepare Your Kit

- Read through this checklist entirely.

- Gather all the supplies listed. You may need them in the event you and your family are confined to your home.

- Place supplies that you would most likely need in the event of an evacuation in an easy to carry container.

- There are six basics that you should stock for your home; water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. 

Possible Containers Include

- A large, covered trash container

- A camping backpack

- A duffle bag

Water

- Always store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as paper or glass containers. A normally active person needs to consume at least two quarts of water each day. Hot conditions and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, Nursing mothers, and ill people will require more.

- Have at least one gallon of water on hand for each person for each day.

- Keep at least a three day supply of water on hand for each person. (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person for food preparation and sanitation.

Food

- Have at least a three day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables

- Canned juices

- Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)

- High energy foods

- Vitamins

- Food for infants

- Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each vehicle. A first aid kit should include:

- Sterile adhesive bandages in different sizes.

- Assorted safety pins.

- Cleansing agents.

- Latex gloves (2 pair).

- Sunscreen

- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

- Triangular bandages (3)

- Non-prescription drugs

- 2 and 3 inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls each)

- Scissors

- Tweezers

- Needle

- Moistened Towelettes 

- Antiseptic

- Thermometer

- Tongue Blades (2)

- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-Prescription Drugs

- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain

- Anti-diarrhea medication

- Antacid

- Syrup of Ipecac (used to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

- Laxative

- Activated charcoal (used if advised by the poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

- Mess kits or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils

- Emergency preparedness manual

- Battery powered radio and extra batteries

- Flashlight and extra batteries

- Cash or traveler's checks, change

- Non--electric can opener

- Small fire extinguisher (ABC type)

- Tube tent

- Pliers

- Tape

- Compass

- Matches in a water proof container

- Aluminum foil

- Plastic storage containers

- Signal flare

- Paper, pencil

- Needles, thread

- Medicine dropper

- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water

- Whistle

- Plastic sheeting

- Map of the area (if locating shelters)

Sanitation

- Toilet paper, towelettes

- Soap, liquid detergent

- Feminine supplies

- Personal hygiene items

- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation usage)

- Plastic bucket with tight lid

- Disinfectant

- Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

- At least one complete change of cloths and footwear for each person

- Sturdy shoes or work boots

- Rain gear

- Blankets or sleeping bags

- Hat and gloves

- Thermal underwear

- Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.

For Baby

- Formula

- Diapers

- Bottles

- Powdered milk

- Medications

For Adults

- Heart and high blood pressure medication

- Insulin

- Prescription drugs

- Denture needs

- Contact lenses and supplies

- Extra eye glasses

Entertainment

- Games and books

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container;

  - Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds

  - Passports, social security cards, immunization records

  - Bank account numbers

  - Credit card account numbers and companies

- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers

- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

- Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.

- Keep items in airtight plastic bag.

- Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.