Preparing an Emergency Kit

Preparing an Emergency kit ahead of time can save you time in case you must leave home quickly or go without power or water for a while. Put your kit together with items you may need after a disaster, and if you can, try to keep enough supplies on hand to meet your needs for at least three days. Store them in sturdy, waterproof, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffel bags or clean, covered trash cans.

Things you might try to include or have on hand are:

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) for drinking and cooking; store in clean plastic soda bottles (milk containers will break down and leak).
• Food that won’t spoil or need much cooking (e.g., canned fruits and vegetables, cereals, peanut butter, crackers or cookies, and dry mixes like instant oatmeal or soups, rice or noodles). Use or replace them every 6 months if possible.
• One change of sturdy clothes and shoes, and one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
• Small household tools or items such as:
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Bowls and cups
  • Can opener
  • Dish towel
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Lighter or matches
  • Silverware
  • Utility knife
• An extra set of car and house keys, personal identification, and credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks. Keep important family papers (e.g, birth certificates, passports, etc.) in a waterproof container or plastic bag.
• Sanitation items for young children, elderly or disabled family members, and pets (e.g, special foods, medications, aid devices, carriers, etc.)
• A basic first aid kit that includes:
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Antacid (for stomach upset)
  • Bandages in assorted sizes
  • Burn cream
  • Cleanser/soap
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Gauze pads
  • Latex gloves
  • Non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Oral thermometer
  • Prescription medications
  • Safety pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing needle
  • Tweezers