Disaster Supplies

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container, such as a trash can, camping backpack or duffel bag. Store your kit in a convenient place and keep a smaller version in your car. Keep items in air tight plastic bags. Change your stored water and rotate stored food every six months. Check your supplies and re-think your needs every year. Also, ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medication.

• WATER
  Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break such as milk or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will probably need more. Keep a three day minimum supply.
• FOOD
  Store a three day supply of nonperishable food. Foods should require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. They might include, read to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables; canned juices, milk and soup; condiments such as sugar, salt and pepper; high energy food like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix; vitamins; foods for infants or persons on a special diet; cookies, hard candy, instant coffee and sweetened cereals.
• FIRST-AID KIT
  Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and each vehicle. Items should include, sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes; gauze pads; hypoallergenic adhesive tape; triangular bandages, sterile roller bandages; scissors; tweezers; needle; moistened towelettes; antiseptic; thermometer; tongue blades, tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant; safety pins; cleansing soap; latex gloves; and sunscreen. Also, aspirin, anti-diarrhea medication, Syrup of Ipecac and activated charcoal (for poisoning) and laxatives.
• TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
  Keep the following items handy for all-around use. Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils; battery-operated radio, flashlight and smoke detectors; cash (include change) and/or traveler's checks; non-electric can opener and utility knife; small ABC fire extinguisher; tube tent; pliers; compass; waterproof matches; plastic storage containers; signal flare; paper and pencil; needles and thread; medicine dropper; shut-off wrench for house gas and water; whistle; plastic sheeting; and local map. For sanitation, pack toilet paper, soap and liquid detergent, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags with ties, a plastic bucket and lid, disinfectant and household chlorine beach.
• CLOTHING AND BEDDING
  One complete change of clothing for each person, sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, hat and gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.
• SPECIAL ITEMS
  1. BABIES - formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk and medication
  2. ADULTS - medications, prescriptions, denture needs, eye glasses and/or contact lenses and supplies
  3. ENTERTAINMENT - games and books
  4. IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS - wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, immunization records, important phone numbers, credit card accounts, social security cards and other personal family records