Disaster Supplies Kit
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. This means having your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days. You could get help in hours, or it might take days. In addition, basic services such as electricity, gas water, sewage treatment, and telephones may be cut off for days, or even a week or longer. Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes.
One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
Recommended items to include in a basic Disaster Supplies Kit:
- Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
- Food, at least a three day supply of non-perishable food.
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place.
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities.
- Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food).
- Local maps.
- Cell phone with charger, inverter or solar charger.
Additional items to consider adding to a Disaster Supplies Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses.
- Infant formula and diapers.
- Pet food and extra water for your pet.
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.
- Cash or traveler's checks and change.
- Emergency reference material such as a First Aid book.
- Consider additional change of clothing.
- Matches in a waterproof container.
- Blankets or sleeping bags.
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children.
Disasters happen anytime and anywhere.