Tools and Supplies
Keep the following items handy for all-around use:
- battery-powered radio
- extra batteries of assorted sizes (check shelf life before purchasing)
- duct tape
- whistle, plastic sheeting and local map
- flashlight
- rope
- aluminum foil
- mess kits or paper cups
- cash / coins and/or traveler’s checks
- small fire extinguisher
- bow saw
- plates and plastic utensils
- non-electric can opener and utility knife
- pliers
- tube tent
- compass
- plastic storage containers
- paper and pencil or pen
- adjustable wrench
- waterproof matches
- medicine dropper
- needles and thread
- signal flares
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Your Emergency Preparedness Kit
The basic items that should be stored in your home are water, food, first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers, clothing and bedding, tools, emergency supplies and specialty items. Keep the items that you would most likely need at home in one easy-to-carry container such as a trash can, plastic storage container, camping backpack or duffel bag. Store it in a convenient place, and put a smaller version in your car. Remember to change the stored water and rotate the food supplies every six months. Consult your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications, and maintain a list of your prescription needs.
Water
Purchase bottled water, or store tap water in clean, airtight plastic containers. Avoid containers that will decompose or break, such as glass bottles. Plan to have one gallon of water per person per day available. Water should be stored in a cool, dark place with the date labeled on the container. Having some water purification tablets on hand could also be useful in the event of an extended water service outage.
Food
Store a three- to five-day supply of nonperishable food per person. Foods should require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking, and little or no water. Examples include:
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ready-to-eat canned meats
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canned or boxed juices
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foods for infants or individuals on special diets
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fruits and vegetables
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powdered milk and soup
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high-energy food like peanut butter, jelly, low-sodium crackers, granola bars and trail mix; vitamins
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condiments such as sugar, salt and pepper
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instant coffee
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cookies; hard candy
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sweetened cereals
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Bulk food items such as wheat, powdered milk, corn and soybeans can be stored for extended periods.
First aid kit
Assemble a first-aid kit for your home and each vehicle. Items should include:
- sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- sterile gauze roll bandages
- scissors
- needle
- antiseptic
- tongue depressors
- safety pins
- latex gloves and sunscreen
- gauze pads
- triangular bandages
- Ace bandages
- tweezers
- moistened towlettes
- thermometer
- tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- cleansing soap
- Other items include aspirin or other pain medication, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids and laxatives.
Keep the following items available for sanitation purposes:
packaged toilet paper
feminine supplies
a plastic bucket and lid
soap and liquid detergent
plastic garbage bags with ties
disinfectant and household chlorine bleach
Clothing and bedding
Assemble one or two complete changes of clothing per person, sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, hat and gloves, thermal underwear and sunglasses.
Specialty Items to consider
Infants and small children—formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk and medication. Adults—medications, prescriptions, denture needs, eyeglasses and/or contact lenses and related supplies, personal hygiene items.
Entertainment—games, books and several quiet toys for children.
Important Family Documents—wills, insurance policies, bank account numbers, contracts, deeds, passports, stocks and bonds, immunization records, important phone numbers, credit card accounts, Social Security cards and other personal family records.
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