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Overview
Resources for Families
Making a Home Emergency Kit
One way to prepare ahead of time for a disaster is to assemble a family home emergency kit. This kit should contain six basics -- water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and special items. Keep items you would need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a large, covered trash can, a camping backpack or a duffel bag. Following is a list of suggested supplies for the kit.
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.
- Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two for food preparation and sanitation).
- Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household. Also keep a supply of water purifying agents in the kit.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Don’t forget to pack a can opener.
- Milk – powdered or canned
- Canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Soups
- High energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, trail mix
- Vitamins
- Smoked or dried meats
- Staples – sugar, salt, pepper
- Stress foods – sugar cookies, hard candy, cereals
First Aid Kit
You should have at least two first aid kits -- one for your home and one for each car you drive. A basic first aid kit should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages
- 3-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)
- Triangular bandages (3)
- Thermometer
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Needle
- Bar of soap
- moist towelettes (8-10 packages)
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)
- Adhesive tape
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety razor blade
- Tongue depressor
- Petroleum jelly
- Safety pins
- Latex gloves
- Non-prescription pain relievers
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacids
- Laxatives
- Rubbing alcohol
- Sunscreen
- Antiseptic spray
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one change of clothing and footwear per person, as well as these items:
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Hats and gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Tools and Supplies
- Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
- Cash or traveler’s checks, change
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Utility knife
- Pliers
- Tape
- Compass
- Matches in waterproof container
- Aluminum foil
- Plastic storage containers
- Paper, pencil
- Needle, thread
- Medicine dropper
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off water, gas
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Soap or liquid detergent
- Personal hygiene items
Other items to consider packing are: a small ABC type fire extinguisher, a tent, signal flares, plastic garbage bags and ties, a small shovel, a small plastic bucket with a tight fitting lid, disinfectant and household chlorine bleach. Also consider packing small games for children and books for adults.
Special Items
Remember family members with special needs such as infants and those with disabilities:
For Baby
- Formula
- Bottles
- Medications
- Diapers
- Powered milk
For Adults
- Special medications
- Denture needs
- Extra eye glasses
- Contact lenses and supplies
Copies of important family documents should be packed in a waterproof, portable container. These papers include:
- Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Passports, social security cards, immunization records
- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage certificates)
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version in the trunk of your car (excluding the family documents). Keep the contents in airtight plastic bags. Stored water should be changed every three months so it stays fresh and stored food should be rotated every six months. Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year and replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
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