Disaster Supply Kit

Disasters Happen Anytime and Anywhere

When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days.

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Prepare Your Kit

	Review the checklist below.
	Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
	Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
	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,
	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 thee following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
	Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Assorted sizes of safety pins

Cleansing agent/soap

Latex gloves (2 pairs)

Sunscreen

2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

Triangular bandages (3)

Non-prescription drugs

2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

Scissors

Tweezers

Needle

Moistened towelettes

Antiseptic

Thermometer

Tongue blades (2)

Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-Prescription Drugs

	Aspirin or nonaspirin 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

Iventory 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 Disaster 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 Information

	"Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)
	"Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463)

General Disaster Preparedness Materials for Children

	"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) for children 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 us at (209) 383-2150.

The text on this page is in the public domain. We request that attribution to this information be given as follows: From "Disaster Supplies Kit." developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.