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 easy-to carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.

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 ill people will need more.

Store one gallon of water per person per day.

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).*

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, 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. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables

Canned juices

Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)

High energy foods

Vitamins

Food for infants

Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit
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 non aspirin 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*

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)

Sanitation

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

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

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)

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

Keep items in airtight plastic bags. 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.

Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Information provided by the American Red Cross

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