Having an emergency kit of supplies ready and on hand for an emergency is a good idea. Priorities would include the basics for survival: water, food, warmth. Here are some things to consider putting in your individual or family emergency kit:
Recommended Items To Include In A Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation.
Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Foods that require no refrigeration, cooking or little water
- Battery-powered or hand-crank can opener
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Protein or fruit bars
- Dry cereal or granola
- Peanut butter
- Dried fruit, nuts
- Crackers
- Canned juices
- Non-perishable pasteurized milk
Radio, battery-powered or hand crank radio
- Extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
- Latex, or other sterile gloves
- Sterile dressings, Adhesive bandages
- Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn ointment
- Eye wash solution
- Thermometer
- Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
- Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
- OTC medications: aspirin, non-aspirin pain reliever, laxative, anti-diarrheal, stomach-soother/antacid
- Petroleum jelly
- Scissors, tweezers
Whistle to signal for help
Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
Additional Items To Consider Adding To An Emergency Supply Kit:
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler's checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
- Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper. When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pens
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
For other special needs:
- Older Americans: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/seniors.html
- Disabled: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
- Pets: http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html