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.
The essentials
Battery-operated radio
Flashlight
Extra batteries
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
- Peanut butter
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned juice
- Ready-to-eat canned meats
- Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated)
- Quick energy snacks, graham crackers
First aid kit
- Create one for your home and one for each car.
- Scissors
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Sunscreen
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Tongue blades (2)
- Moistened towelettes
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- 2″ sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4″ sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 2″ sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3″ sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Triangular bandages (3)
- Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
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
- Create one for your home and one for each car.
- Whistle
- Crowbar
- Paper, pencil
- Medicine dropper
- Needles, thread
- Signal flare
- Assorted nails, wood screws
- Plastic storage containers
- Cash or traveler’s checks, change
- Tape, duct and plumber’s tape or strap iron
- Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic sheeting
- Compass
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
- Heavy cotton or hemp rope
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
Sanitation
- Disinfectant
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
- Household chlorine bleach
- Personal hygiene items
- 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
- Games and books
