A family disaster kit helps you to be prepared for an
emergency. It includes what you need to stay safe and
comfortable in a disaster situation. Plan for at least
three days and be sure to include your family disaster
plan and emergency contact list.
A grab-and-go
supplies kit is essential to any good disaster plan.
When Hurricane Katrina hit last year, many New Orleans
residents left home without identification, medicine and
important papers.
Prepare a grab-and-go
kit that you can grab in a hurry – just in case
you ever need it. Even better, have three grab-and-go
kits on hand: one at home, one at the office, and one
in the car.
There are six basics
you should stock in your home: water,
food, first
aid-supplies, clothing
and bedding, tools
and
emergency supplies
and special items. Store items in
a waterproof, easy-to-carry container (such as a large
covered trash container, a camping backpack or duffle
bag) and place the kit where you can easily find it during
an emergency.
What’s in
a good disaster supplies kit?
Water:
At least a three-day supply of water (one gallon per person,
per day) for drinking, washing and preparing food. 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 a day. Hot
environments and intense physical activity can double
that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people
will need more. Replace stored water every three months.
Food:
At least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods. Select
foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking
and little or no water. Replace stored food every six
months. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno (canned
heat cooking fuel). Select food items that are compact
and lightweight
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- Canned juices, milk, soup
- High energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers,
granola bars, trail mix
- Vitamins
- Food for infants, elderly persons or persons on a
special diet
- Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy,
sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags
First aid:
Medicine and supplies for a first aid kit. Assemble a
first aid kit for your home and one for each car. The
kit should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages (3)
- 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
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pair)
- Sunscreen
- Non-prescription drugs: aspirin or non-aspirin pain
reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, Syrup of
Ipecac, laxative, and activated charcoal
Tools and supplies:
- Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Red Cross 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
- Sanitation supplies: toilet paper, towelettes, soap,
liquid detergent, feminine supplies, personal hygiene
items
- 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
- Special items: remember family members with special
needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
- Baby: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications
- 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, bonds, passports, 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 and death certificates)
