DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT

Disaster Supplies 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 an evacuation.  A winder storm could confine your family at home.  An earthquake, flood, or tornado, or any other disaster could cut off 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 much time to shop or search for supplies.  If you’ve gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

·    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 a (*).

·    There are six basics you should stock for your home: 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 (*).

Possible Containers Include

·    A large, covered trash container

·    A camping backpack

·    A duffel 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 day. (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 three of the 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 (two pair)

·    Sunscreen

·    2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

·    4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

·    Triangle bandages (3)

·    Non-prescription drugs

·    2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

·    3-inch sterile roller bandages ( 3 rolls)

·    Scissors

·    Tweezers

·    Needle

·    Moistened Toweletts

·    Antiseptic

·    Thermometer

·    Tongue Blades (2)

·    Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-Prescription Drugs

·    Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever

·    Anti-diarrhea medication

·    Antacid

·    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 area ( for locating shelters)

Sanitation

·    Toilet paper, towelettes *

·    Soap, liquid detergent*

·    Feminine supplies*

·    Personal hygiene items*

·    Plastic garbage bags, ties ( for personal sanitation use)

·    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 bag*

·    Hats 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 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 records, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds

·    Passport, 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 Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.  Keep items in airtight plastic bags.  Change your stored water every six months so that it stays fresh.  Replace your food every 6 months.  Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year, replace batteries, update clothes, etc.  Ask your physician or pharmacist about prescription medications.