Preparation: What to Have in Case of Emergency

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:


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