Disaster Preparedness Kit

It's 2:00 a.m. and a flash flood forces you to evacuate your home-fast. There's no time to gather food from the kitchen, fill bottles with water, grab a first-aid kit from the closet and snatch a flashlight and a portable radio from the bedroom. You need to have these items packed and ready in one place before disaster strikes. There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an Emergency Preparedness Kit or Disaster Supplies Kit, an easy-to carry container that contains the basics.

Water Supplies
Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person, per day. You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.
If supplies run low, never ration water. Drink the amount you need today, and try to find more for tomorrow. You can minimize the amount of water your body needs by reducing activity and staying cool.

Food Supplies
Choose foods that are easy to carry, nutritious and ready-to-eat. When food supplies are low reduce activity. Healthy people can survive on half their usual food intake for an extended period and without any food for many days. Food, unlike water, may be rationed safely, except for children and pregnant women.
If your water supply is limited, try to avoid foods that are high in fat and protein, and don't stock salty foods, since they will make you thirsty. Try to eat salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content. Make sure your kit includes a Manual can opener to open non-pershishable canned foods.
If the Electricity Goes Off . . .

* FIRST, use perishable food and foods from the refrigerator.
* THEN, use the foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of freezer contents on it. In a well-filled, well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their centers (meaning foods are safe to eat) for at least three days.
* FINALLY, begin to use non-perishable foods and staples.

First Aid Kit------Medical supplies and first aid kit and manual
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

* (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
* (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing.
* (1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
* (2) triangular bandages.
* (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
* (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
* (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage.
* (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* (6) antiseptic wipes.
* (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
* Adhesive tape, 2" width.
* Anti-bacterial ointment.
* Cold pack.
* Scissors (small, personal).
* Tweezers.
* CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

Non-Prescription Drugs

* Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
* Anti-diarrhea medication
* Antacid (for stomach upset)
* Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
* Laxative
* 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
* Portable 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
* Shovel and other useful tools
* Tube tent
* Pliers
* Tape
* Compass
* Matches in a waterproof container
* Aluminum foil
* Plastic storage containers
* Fire extinguisher
* 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)
* Household liquid bleach to treat drinking water

Sanitation-------Hygiene 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
Include 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
* Extra clothing

Special Items

* Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby

* Formula
* Diapers
* Bottles
* Powdered milk
* Medications

For Adults

* Heart and high blood pressure medication
* Insulin
* Prescription drugs
* Denture needs
* Contact lenses and supplies
* Extra eye glasses