Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Be prepared to use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air. Put together two kits. In one, put everything needed to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a portable version you can take with you if you have to get away.
Emergency Supply Kit Checklist
1. Water & Food
Water
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person; each person will need a gallon each day
Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water
If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary
Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water
Pack a manual can opener, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
Choose foods your family will eat such as:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
Protein or fruit bars
Dry cereal or granola
Peanut butter
Dried fruit
Nuts
Crackers
Canned juices
Non-perishable pasteurized milk
High-energy foods
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods
2. First Aid Kit
In any emergency, a family member may be cut, burned or suffer other injuries. If you have these basic supplies you are better prepared to help your loved ones when they are hurt. Remember, many injuries are not life threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.
Things You Should Have:
Two pairs of sterile gloves
Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
Soap and antibiotic towelettes to disinfect
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
Burn ointment to prevent infection
Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
Eye wash solution to flush the eyes
Thermometer
Prescription medications you take every day (you should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates)
Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
Medicine dropper
First Aid book
Non-prescription drugs (aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative)
3. Other Items
Cell phone
Scissors
Tweezers
Petroleum jelly
Battery-powered radio
Flashlight
Extra batteries
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
Moist towelettes for sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Infant formula and diapers
Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Cash or traveler's checks, change
Paper towels
Fire extinguisher
Tent
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water
Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water
Copies of important family records in a waterproof portable container
4. Clothing and Bedding
One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:
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
Rain gear
Special Needs Items
Remember the special needs of your family members. Infants, the elderly and persons with disabilities need the same planning as everyone else, and sometimes a little more, to be prepared for a terrorist attack.
1. For Infants
Make sure to keep the following in your emergency supply kit:
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
Moist towelettes
Diaper rash ointment
2. For Adults
Ask your doctor about storing prescription medications such as heart and high blood pressure medication and insulin. Consider the following for your emergency supply kit:
- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
3. For Seniors and People with Disabilities
Plan how you will evacuate or signal for help. Plan emergency procedures with home health care agencies or workers. Tell others where you keep your emergency supplies. Contact your city or county governmentās emergency information management office. Many local offices keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be located quickly in an emergency. Wear medical alert tags or bracelets to help identify your disability. If you are dependent on dialysis or other life sustaining treatment, know the location and availability of more than one facility. Teach others how to operate necessary equipment. Label equipment such as wheelchairs, canes and walkers. Additional supplies include:
A list of prescription medications including dosage and any allergies
Extra eye glasses and hearing-aid batteries
A list of the style and serial numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers
Extra wheelchair batteries and oxygen
Copies of medical insurance and Medicare cards
A list of doctors and emergency contacts
Portable Emergency Supply Kit
- Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
- Moist towelettes for sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can opener
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Unique family needs, such as daily prescription medications, infant formula or diapers and important family documents
- Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Information adapted from Ready America.