The American Red Cross-Knoxville Area Chapter encourages
you and your family to put a Family Disaster Supplies
Kit together to be prepared for any type of disasters,
particularly those where you might be forced to evacuate
your home. For more information on staying safe year-round,
call your American Red Cross at (865) 584-2999.
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,
or 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 the
following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Canned juices
- Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
- High energy foods
- Vitamins
- Food for infants
- Comfort/stress foods
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each
car.
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
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- 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)
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
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
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