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DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT Below are key elements you will need to create disaster supplies kit. This material is from the American Red Cross. There are six basics you should stock for your home: water food first aid tools and supplies clothing and bedding special items Store your kit in a water-proof container (such as a garbage can) in a convenient place known to all family members. Store the heaviest items on the bottom, then lighter items on top. Place a lighter items, flashlight, battery-operated radio, fresh batteries, and a first aid kit on the very top where they are easy to get. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Within this kit, keep an evacuation pack (items that you would most likely need during an evacuation) in an easy-to carry container such as a duffel bag or large backpack. * = Suggested evacuation pack items. Water* Store one gallon of water per person per day in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation). Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. Food Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, no preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. For example: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables (don't forget a can opener) Canned juices Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) High energy foods Vitamins Food for infants Comfort/stress foods First Aid Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes Assorted sizes of safety pins Cleansing agent/soap Latex gloves (2 pairs) Sunscreen 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) Triangular bandages (3) 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) Scissors Tweezers Needle Moistened towelettes Antiseptic Thermometer Tongue blades (2) Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication Antacid (for stomach upset) Laxative Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center) Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) Tools and Supplies Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils* Emergency preparedness manual* Battery-operated radio and extra batteries* Flashlight and extra batteries* Cash or traveler's checks, change* Non-electric can opener, utility knife* Fire extinguisher (small canister ABC type) Tube tent Pliers Tape Compass Matches in a waterproof container Aluminum foil Plastic storage containers Signal flare Paper, pencil Needles, thread Medicine dropper Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water Whistle Plastic sheeting Map of the area (for locating shelters) Corded telephone (cordless won't work during a power outage) Sanitation supplies: Toilet paper, towelettes* Soap, liquid detergent* Feminine supplies* Personal hygiene items* Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses) Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Household chlorine bleach Clothing and Bedding At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person* Sturdy shoes or work boots* Rain gear* Blankets or sleeping bags* Hat and gloves Thermal underwear Sunglasses Special Items Remember items for family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.* For Baby* Formula Diapers Bottles Powdered milk Medications For Adults* Medications (e.g. Heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin) Prescription drugs (Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications) Denture needs Contact lenses and supplies Extra eye glasses Entertainment Games and books Important Family Documents (Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container): Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds Passports, social security cards, immunization records Bank account numbers Credit card account numbers and companies Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc. * = Suggested evacuation pack items. RELATED DOCUMENTS Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit by the American Red Cross Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness by FEMA Water Treatment by the American Red Cross Food Safety in a Power Outage by the American Red Cross Storing Supplies (PDF format) by the American Red Cross (You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view) CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP Material courtesy of the American Red Cross.