Get a Kit

Make sure everyone has their own supplies in their own kit
in case family members are separated

STOCK EMERGENCY SUPPLIES AND ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT.

Review the information below. Gather the needed supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home or compelled to evacuate. You may also need more than one type of kit, plan accordingly.

  • Place the supplies you would most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. Possible Containers Include:
    • A large, covered plastic container
    • A five-gallon bucket
    • A backpack.
    • A suitcase with wheels
    • A duffel bag.

  • Try to have enough supplies for a minimum of four days.

  • Make sure everyone has their own emergency supplies kit.

➤ 7 Basics of a Disaster Supplies Kit:

  • Water
  • Food
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Clothing and Bedding
  • Tools & Emergency Supplies
  • Special Needs items and Medications
  • Important documents

***Remember to include the things you need and use on a regular basis

Every family member should have a disaster supply kit with essential food, water and supplies for at least four days. This kit should be kept in a convenient place, ready to “grab and go” in case you have to leave your home quickly because of a disaster, such as a flash flood or fire. Make sure all household members know where the kits are kept. Update kits regularly.

Water

  • Store water in plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles. 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 those who are ill will need more.
  • Store atleast one gallon of water per person, per day. Households should have a minimum of a two week supply of water.
  • Keep at least a four-day supply of water per person in your disaster supply kits, two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation.
  • Don’t forget water for your pets.
  • Treat all water if unsure of its purity, before using it for drinking, food preparation, or hygiene. Before treating, let any suspected particles settle to the bottom or strain through layers of paper towels or cloth.
  • Water can be safely treated by: 1. Boiling for 10-12 minutes, let the water cool before drinking, or 2. Adding 6-10 drops of bleach per gallon of water (don’t use color-safe bleach). More bleach is not better, too much can make you ill. Make sure all stay hydrated, as dehydration is not a problem you want to have. You can never store too much water. Rotate your water supply periodically to keep your supply fresh.
  • 1 gallon per person per day (at minimum)
  • Obtain a good water filter

Food and Food supplies

Store at least a four-day supply of nonperishable food

  • Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and uses little or no water.
  • Choose foods that your family will eat. Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
  • If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
  • Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
    • Ready-to-eat Canned Food: meats, beans, vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice, cereal
    • Canned soup (if powdered, store extra water)
    • Beverages (bottled, canned, boxed): juices, water, soda, coffee, tea, powdered drink mix, etc.
    • Staples: sugar, flour, salt, pepper, baking soda, baking powder, spices
    • Carbohydrates: Cereals, Breads, Granola bars, trail mix, crackers, dried fruits, breakfast bars
    • Proteins: Peanut butter, nuts, meats, protein bars
    • Sugars: Syrup, non-melting candy, cookies
    • Vitamins
    • Special foods (for infants, elderly, special diets):_______________________________________
    • Comfort/stress foods: cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, instant coffee, hot chocolate, etc
    • Other:
    • Cooking supplies,
    • Mess kit or
    • Plate, bowl, cup, spoon, fork, knife
    • Utility knife,
    • manual can opener,
    • small cook stove
    • pot for cooking
    • paper towels

First Aid Supplies

Assemble a first aid kit for your home, one for each car, and a small one to carry with you.

First aid kits are a must have for every family. First aid kits are necessary so that you can treat ailments and injuries that happen at home or while traveling. From the minor cut, to the more serious injury, a first aid kit can help reduce the risk of infection or the severity of the injury. First aid kits include a variety of items that will help treat cuts, scrapes, and injuries including sprains, burns, and other ailments that are common. You can either buy a prepared first aid kit or you can prepare your own first aid kit using the list below. Make sure to put your first aid kits in easy to access places so that anyone can access the kit in the case of an injury.
Many injuries are not life-threatening and do not require immediate medical attention. Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. Consider taking a first aid class to know how to treat injuries and utilize all the supplies in a first aid kit, but simply having a first aid kit can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection, and assist in decontamination. First aid kits can range from simple to very detailed. A small simple first aid kit should be carried to aid in small emergencies such as a cut or a scrape. When something more severe happens, having the right skills and equipment will help to give first aid. At its most basic, first aid is the initial assistance given to a victim of injury or illness. Having a kit on hand will help you and could potentially save a life.

A more detailed first aid kit should be kept at home, while a smaller sized detailed kit should be kept in the car for emergencies away from home.

A Basic Kit should include:

    • Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
    • 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
    • 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
    • Hypo-allergenic adhesive tape
    • 40-inch triangular bandages (3-rolls)
    • 2-inch sterile roll bandages (3-rolls)
    • 3-inch sterile roll bandages (3-rolls)
    • Scissors and tweezers
    • Epi pen (if allergic to bee stings)
    • Small Sewing kit
    • Moistened towelettes/wet wipes
    • Antiseptic soap
    • Antiseptic solution – iodine compounds
    • Antibiotic Ointment
    • Hydrocortisone Cream
    • Thermometer
    • Tongue depressors (2)
    • Tube of petroleum jelly (Vaseline or lubricant)
    • Safety pins in assorted sizes
    • Cleaning agent/soap
    • Vinyl gloves (2 pairs)
    • Scissors
    • N95 Masks 6+
    • Paracord or rope
    • Superglue
    • Matches
    • Light Source
    • Magnifying glass
    • Fels naphtha soap- to wash off poison Ivy, oak or sumac from skin and clothes (also a great clothes detergent)
    • Entertainment and comfort candy

Over-The-Counter Medications and Prescription Medications

  • Ibuprofen (Advil)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Aspirin
  • Anti-histamine
  • Imodium/Loperamide
  • Sudafed (or an equivalent)
  • Throat lozenges
  • Cold/Flu medications
  • Bismuth tabs
  • Oral rehydration
  • Dramamine
  • Stool softener (laxative)
  • Miconazole/Anti-fungal cream
    • Sun screen
    • Insect repellent
    • Caladryl or generic equivalent
    • First aid manual
    • Rubbing alcohol
    • Cotton balls
    • Witch Hazel for bug bites and hemorrhoids
    • Mylar Blankets (2)
    • List of any family members with allergies and treatment
    • Contact information for family doctor, dentist, and emergency contact numbers for family members (work and cell)

An Advanced First Aid Kit should also Include:

    • Small tool set
    • Duct Tape
    • Thermometer
    • Q-Tips
    • Large all-metal trauma shears
    • Nail clippers

Treating wounds is not always a simple ordeal – especially trauma – and it is often a job that is best left to the professionals. But in a survival situation, it may be your responsibility to treat these injuries to the best of your ability. Realistically, outside of a hospital, no one is prepared for every medical emergency. Wounds can be ugly. Trauma can be horrifying. But here are some tools that will help prepare you for both:

Blister Treatments

  • Molefoam
  • Moleskin
  • 2nd skin
  • Medical tape
  • Other Wound Treatment Tools
  • Out box of Nitrile gloves, LOTS and LOTS
  • Irrigation syringe
  • Sterile gauze pads, 5+
  • Steri strips and butterfly bandages to close minor lacerations
  • Multiple size Ace Bandages, x2
  • Triangle bandages, x2
  • Steri-strip or butterfly closures, 3+
  • Maxi Pads and tampons- multi use materials
  • Sam-splint / moldable foam splint
  • Israeli bandage
  • Suture kit
  • Iodine

Clothing and Bedding

Staying warm and dry is important to your safety and health. Having the correct type of clothing will help you stay well and be able to perform tasks better.

    • Include at least one complete change of clothing that can be layered, and good sturdy footwear per person
    • Have multiple pairs of socks to reduce blisters and other foot problems
    • Items to help keep you warm and dry should also be included
    • Keep all clothing and bedding from getting wet
  • Change of clothes (according to season and work)
  • Socks
  • Underclothing
  • Cap
  • Winter hat and Winter Gloves
  • Thermal underclothing
  • Sunglasses
  • Watch
  • Jacket
  • Sweatshirt
  • Rain Gear
  • Work Gloves
  • Sturdy shoes or boots
  • Blankets
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Travel Pillow
  • Plastic Sheet or Tarp

Tools and Supplies

Small tools and other supplies will help you be more comfortable and safe depending what situation you may find yourself in.Items such as work gloves, safety goggles, a flashlight or headlamp, and extra batteries will help keep you from getting injured.

SAFETY

  • safety goggles,
  • gloves
  • N95 mask
  • Sturdy shoes or boots
  • Whistle

LIGHT

  • a flashlight or headlamp, and extra batteries
  • Solar Powered lights
  • Lantern
  • Candles
  • Light Sticks

COMMUNICATION

  • Battery powered radio
  • Family radio service radio
  • Permanent Marker
  • Paper, Pencil, Pen

SHELTER

  • Tube tent
  • Emergency blanket
  • Large Tarp
  • Tent if there is space
  • Shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water
  • Whistle
  • Binoculars
  • Axe/Hatchet
  • Saw or chainsaw
  • Crowbar

MISC SUPPLIES

  • Cash in small bills and coins
  • Plastic sheeting
  • Plastic storage containers and bags
  • Plastic Garbage and heavy duty bags
  • Plastic zipper type bags different sizes
  • Extra set of car and house keys
  • Map of the area (for locating shelters and evacuation routes)
  • Scissors
  • Comfort items

HEAT

  • Matches in a water proof container or lighter
  • Candles
  • Propane heater
  • Aluminum foil
  • Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type

POWER

  • Batteries
  • Rechargeable Batteries
  • Solar and other charging tools for electronic devices
  • Generator (keep far away from house due to carbon monoxide)

TOOLS

  • Utility knife or multi tool
  • Small basic tool set
  • Hammer
  • Small shovel
  • Tape/duct tape
  • Compass
  • Rope or paracord
  • Small sewing kit
  • Entertainment

SANITATION

  • Toilet paper,
  • Towelettes,
  • Soap,
  • Hand sanitizer,
  • Liquid detergent,
  • Feminine supplies and
  • Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, nail clippers, nail file, chap stick,
  • Shampoo, conditioner)
  • Personal Wipes
  • Tissues
  • Deodorant/Antiperspirant
  • Bucket with tight fitting lids
  • Heavy Duty Garbage sacks

Medications and Special Needs

Every person has different needs. Some need eyeglasses to see, some need an oxygen machine to breathe, others may need insulin or certain medications. Children have certain needs. Babies have different needs and even adults have differing needs according to age. All of these needs should be considered, and supplies added to the emergency supply kit.

MEDICATIONS

  • Week supply of Prescription medication in original pill bottle if possible
  • Insulin and supplies
  • Other over the counter medication that is needed

SPECIAL NEEDS

  • Eyeglasses
  • Extra clothing
  • Entertainment
  • Toys
  • Extra snacks and treats

BABIES

  • Diapers and Diaper changing supplies
  • Formula
  • Baby Food and supplies
  • Clean up cloths and supplies
  • Contacts, case, saline solution
  • oxygen machine
  • C-pap machine
  • Hearing Aids and extra batteries
  • Walker/ Wheelchair

CHILDREN

  • Comfort items
  • Diaper Rash Ointment
  • Extra Clothing
  • Extra pacifiers
  • Washcloths
  • Bulb syringe
  • Baby medications
  • Extra blankets
  • Small comfort toys

Important Documents

Should you need to leave your home and are not able to return, it is wise to have important documents relating to your life and insurance to help in the recovery process after the event. Many people don’t realize how much of our lives are in paper and how important those papers are, especially when trying to access resources. Make sure you have copies with you and have a set of copies housed somewhere off premises.

  • Insurance Policies
  • Bank Account Information
  • Mortgage Information
  • Loan Information
  • Tax Returns
  • Pension Plans & Retirement Benefit Information
  • Investment Information
  • Will and Trust information
  • Power of Attorney Information
  • Safe Deposit Box location and location of keys
  • Professional Advisor Contact Information
  • Proof of Identity & Relationships
  • Household Utility Information
  • Internet site, social media, and e-mail passwords
  • Medical History
  • Home Inventory& Appraisals
  • Family History
  • Important Contact information for work, school, daycare, church, etc.

Important Reminders:

➤ Store your kits in a convenient place known to all family members
➤ Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car and at your office
➤ Keep items in airtight plastic bags
➤ Change your stored water supply yearly so it stays fresh
➤ Replace your stored food every six months
➤ Evaluate your kits and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothing, etc.
➤ Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Everyday Supplies

  • Wallet
  • Purse
  • Phone
  • Charger
  • Charging Cord
  • Medications

Prepare Your Vehicles

Vehicles are important to our lives. They take us to work, school, church, shopping, events, and take us on our vacations. Because they are a critical part of our everyday lives it is important to have some supplies with you, just in case you are stranded somewhere, or your car unexpectedly cannot run.
If you are evacuating an area or you are stranded in your vehicle, you should make sure your vehicle is prepared to help you leave safely. Use the vehicle checklist to help you create a vehicle emergency kit for each vehicle. Prepare now by storing these items in your vehicle and be sure to rotate the items periodically. Keep vehicles fueled and in good condition by keeping them tuned with regular maintenances checks. Always check weather and road conditions before a trip.

VEHICLE KIT

  • Water
  • Food (Snacks, High Calorie bars, but food that doesn’t make you more thirsty)
  • Cash (Small bills and coins)
  • Jumper Cables
  • Tire Gauge
  • Extra fuses and lightbulbs
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Plastic Sacks
  • Flares or Roadside Triangles
  • Small Tool Set
  • Blankets
  • Jackets
  • Good walking shoes
  • Small Shovel
  • Kitty Litter or Sand

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. Even if you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials.

PET SUPPLIES

Get current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated—and to prove that they are yours once you’re reunited.

  • Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to also write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
  • Written information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian in case you must board your pets or place them in foster care.
    • Food and Water for a week
    • Leash or harness
    • Pet Carrier
    • Food
    • Collapsible bowls
    • Litter box
    • Kitty litter
    • Scoop
    • Plastic sacks
    • Medications and medical records
    • Grooming items
    • Play and chew toys
    • Pet first aid kit