Disaster Kits

Here are the basics you should have for your own Disaster Kit 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--suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). 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. General Disaster Preparedness Materials Children & Disasters "Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) Children & Disasters ages 3-10. "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6. To get copies of American Red Cross Community Disaster Education materials, contact your local Red Cross chapter. The text on this page is in the public domain. We request that attribution to this information be given as follows: From "Preparing for Disaster." Developed by the American Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency.