WATER
Store one gallon of water per person, per day, in plastic containers. Depending on the weather at the time of the emergency, or if you have children, pets or elderly persons residing with you, more may be needed.
FOOD
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that are compact and lightweight, that require no cooking, refrigeration, and little or no water.
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, canned juices and milk; Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc); High energy foods; Vitamins; Food for infants; Comfort / stress food; Soups; High-protein foods such as peanut butter, granola and trail mix; Baby food or food or elderly persons as needed.
FIRST AID
Assemble or purchase a complete first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
TOOLS and SUPPLIES
Mess Kit or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils; Battery-operated radio and extra batteries; Flashlights and extra batteries; Cash & change; Non-electrician can opener; Utility knife; Fire extinguisher (ABC type); Tube tent; Pliers; Utility tape; Compass; Matches (in waterproof container); Aluminum Foil; Plastic storage containers; Plastic garbage bags; Signal flare; Paper; Pencil; Needles; Thread; Medicine dropper; Shut-off wrench (to turn off water and gas as needed); Whistle; Plastic sheeting; local map
Sturdy Shoes or Boots; Protective rainwear; Hats; Gloves; Blankets; Sleeping bags; Documents
Toiler paper; Towelettes; Soap; Liquid detergent; Feminine supplies; Personal hygiene items; Plastic garbage bags; Plastic bucket with lid; Disinfectant; Household chlorine bleach
SPECIAL ITEMS – Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled.
BABY – Formula, Diapers, Bottles, Powered Milk, Medications
ADULTS – Heart and High Blood Pressure medications, Insulin, Prescription Drugs, Denture needs,
Contact lenses and supplies, Extra Eye glasses
IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS
Keep copies in waterproof, portable container of documents such as:
Wills, Insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds, Passports, Social Security Cards, Immunization records,
Bank Account, Credit Cards, Household inventory, Birth family records
STORE your kit in a convenience place, known to all family members.
KEEP a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your cars.
KEEP a smaller version of the supplies kit at the office / workplace.
KEEP items in airtight plastic bags.
CHANGE your water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
REPLACE your stored food every six months
RETHINK your kit and family needs at least once a year
REPLACE batteries update clothing
ASK your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
Lists are provided for suggestions for your equipping of your family supply kit. You personal awareness and family dynamic may require more, less or additional items not listed.