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.
• Store one gallon of water a day per person
• Keep at least a 3-day supply of water per person keep 2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for each person for food preparation and sanitation.
• Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.

Food

Store at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable food. Replace your stored food every six months. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno.

Include a selection of the following foods:

• Ready to eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables.
• Canned juices, milk and soup.
• Staples (salt, pepper, spices etc).
• High energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix).
• Vitamins.
• Food for infants, elderly people or people on special diets.
• Comfort foods (cookies, hard candy, instant coffee, tea bags and sweetened cereal).

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each vehicle. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing medications.

Include the following:

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes - Scissors
• Assorted sizes of safety pins - Tweezers
• Cleansing agents and soap - Needle
• Latex gloves (2 pair) - Moistened towelettes
• Sunscreen - Antiseptic
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• Non-prescription drugs (pain reliever)
• Antacid, anti-diarrhea, laxative, syrup of
• Ipecac, and activated charcoal.
• 2-inch sterile rolled bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch Sterile rolled bandages (3 rolls)
• Thermometer
• Tounge blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils.
• Emergency preparedness manual.
• Battery operated radio and extra batteries
• Cash or traveler’s checks, and change.
• Non-electrical can opener or utility knife.
• Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type.
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Compass
• Matches in waterproof container.
• Aluminum foil.
• Plastic storage containers.
• Signal flare.
• Paper and pencil.
• Needles and thread.
• Medicine dropper.
• Shutoff wrench, to shut off household gas and water
• Whistle.
• Plastic sheeting.
• Map of the area (for shelter locations)

Clothing & Bedding

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Including:

• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hat and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Sanitation

• Toilet paper, towelettes
• Soap and liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses).
• Plastic bucket with lid
• Disenfectant and household chlorine bleach

Special Items

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

• For baby: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, and medications.
• For adults: heart and blood pressure medication, insulin, denture needs, prescription drugs, contact lenses and supplies, and extra eyeglasses.

Vital Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof portable container.

• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds.
• Passports, social security cards, immunization records.
• Credit card account numbers and companies.
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers.
• Family records (birth, marriage, and death certificates).

Strategy

• Rethink your family emergency kit needs at least once a year. Replace old batteries, update clothes for the appropriate seasons, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Entertainment

• Games and books
• Any other comfort items that may be important to you or your family members.