Basic Disaster
Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and
put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers
such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following
recommended items:
- Water (one
gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and
sanitation)
- Food (at
least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA
Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter
in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
(for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn
off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional
Emergency Supplies
Since
Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in
their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the
flu.
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit
based on your individual needs:
- Masks (for
everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to
disinfect surfaces
- Prescription
medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain
relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper
rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of
insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved
electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your
climate and sturdy shoes
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and
plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for
children
You may also need: Water Treatment or Household chlorine bleach and
medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can
be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by
using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not
use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
Through its Ready Campaign, the Federal Emergency Management Agency educates
and empowers Americans to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to
potential emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Ready
asks individuals to do three key things: get an emergency supply kit, make a
family emergency plan, and be informed about the different types of emergencies
that could occur and their appropriate responses.
All Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive
for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Following is a listing of some
basic items that every emergency supply kit should include. However, it is
important that individuals review this list and consider where they live and
the unique needs of their family in order to create an emergency supply kit
that will meet these needs.
Quick List: Gallon of Water, Non Perishable Food: Beef Jerky, Canned
Food, Swiss Army Multitool, Flashlight, Lighter, Maps: Local, Regional and
Country maps for your area If phone maps don’t work.
