2. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Tips for Making Your Kit
- Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags.
- Gather the kit's items in easy-to-carry containers or duffel bags. Put them within reach, near the exit you use most often.
- Check and update your kit at least once a year.
Your Emergency Supply Kit should include 3 to 14 days supply of the following items:
The Basics
- Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Manual can opener
- Nonperishable foods*
- Canned meat, fish, fruit,or vegetables
- Bread in moisture proof packaging
- Cookies, candy or dried fruit
- Canned soups & nonperishable milk
- Powdered or single serve drinks
- Cereal or granola bars
- Packaged ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Instant tea or coffee
- Flashlight (1 per person) *
- Portable battery powered lanterns
- Large trash bags (lots of them)
- Battery operated radio *
- Extra batteries, including hearing aid batteries
- First aid kit including aspirin, antibiotic cream
- Mosquito repellent
- Sunscreen (45 SPF recommended)
- Waterproof matches / butane lighter
- Money *
- Unscented bleach or water purification tablets (add 8 drops of bleach per gal.)
- Maps of the area with landmarks on it
Cooking
- Sterno fuel
- Portable camp stove or grill w/ utensils
- Stove fuel, charcoal w/ lighter fluid or propane
- Disposable eating utensils, plates, cups
- Napkins and paper towels
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Personal Supplies
- Prescription medicines (1 month supply and copy of prescriptions) *
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toilet paper
- Entertainment: books, games, toys and magazines *
- Bedding: pillows, sleeping bag *
- Change of clothing *
- Rain ponchos and work gloves
- Extra eye glasses or contacts
Important Documents *
- Insurance documents
- A list of all your important contacts (family, doctors, insurance agents)
- Banking information
- Leases / mortgage
- Proof of occupancy (such as utility bill) *
- Photo inventory of your personal belongings *
- Waterproof container to keep the documents in
Babies
- Disposable diapers *
- Formula, food and medication *
- Bottles and feeding utensils
Pet Supplies
- Dry and/or canned food
- ID tags and collars
- Proof of recent immunizations
- Water (1/2 gallon per day)
- Litter box and supplies
- Carrying container
Other Necessities
- Tool box
- ABC rated fire extinguisher
- Masking tape or duct tape
- Outdoor extension cords
- Spray paint
- Standard single line phone (that does not require electricity)
- Local phone book
- Roofing tarps or plastic sheeting
* If you are planning to evacuate to a Red Cross Evacuation Center, please be sure to take these items.
