Get a Kit

Would you be prepared to leave and be somewhat self sufficient for three or four days if a disaster struck your home? We may not have to worry about hurricanes, but we certainly could see bad weather, fire or hazardous materials incidents affect us. Evacuation is one concern, but another circumstance could require us to “shelter in place.” Would you be safe and able to take care of yourself and family without electricity, telephone, or water service for a period of time?

When preparing for a possible emergency, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air, and warmth.

Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit

• Water - One gallon of water per person per day for at least three days; Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more; May need more water in a warm weather climate; Store water in tightly sealed, clean, plastic containers.
• Food - At least a three day supply of non-perishable food per person per day; Select food that requires no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water; Avoid salty foods that make you thirsty; Choose foods your family will eat.
• Battery powered or hand crank radio and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, plastic sheeting and duct tape – to help filter and block out contaminated air
• Moist towlettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food items)
• Local maps

Additional items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for pets
• Copies of important family documents such as: copies of insurance policies, identification and bank records. Store in a water-proof, portable container
• Cash or traveler’s checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bags or warm blankets for each person. Consider adding additional bedding if you live in a cold weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider adding clothing if you live in a cold weather climate
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – when diluted 9 parts water to 1 part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant, or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. (Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.)
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a water-proof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils and paper towels
• Paper and pencils
• Books, games, cards, puzzles or other activities

Suggestions for food items:

	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, Vitamins, Comfort/stress foods

http://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit