After a disaster, local officials
and relief workers will be on the scene, but they
cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get
help in hours, or it may take days. Would your
family be prepared to cope with the emergency
until help arrives? Your family will cope best by
preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way
to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies
Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to
shop or search for supplies. But if you've
gathered supplies in advance, your family can
endure an evacuation or home confinement. To
prepare your kit review the checklists in this
document. Gather the supplies that are listed.
You may need them if your family is confined at
home. Place the supplies you'd most likely need
for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*).
Disasters happen anytime
and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may
not have much time to respond.
A highway spill of
hazardous material could mean instant evacuation.
A winter storm
could confine your family at home.
An earthquake,
flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut
off basic services--gas, water, electricity and
telephones--for days.
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There are six basics you
should stock in 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.
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
* Nonelectric can opener,
utility knife
* Fire extinguisher: small
canister, ABC type
Tube
tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof
container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off
household gas and water
Whistle
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)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach
Clothing and Bedding
*Include at least one complete
change of clothing and footwear per person.
Sturdy shoes or work boots
* Hat and gloves
Rain gear
* Thermal underwear
Blankets or sleeping bags
* Sunglasses Special Items
Remember family members with special needs, 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
Entertainment--games and
books.
Important Family
Documents:
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable
container.
Will, insurance policies,
contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, social security
cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers
and companies
Inventory of valuable
household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth,
marriage, death certificates)
Store your kit in a
convenient place known to all family members.
Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies
Kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items in
air-tight plastic bags. Change your stored water
supply every six months so it stays fresh. Rotate
your stored food every six months. Re-think your
kit and family needs at least once a year.
Replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your
physician or pharmacist about storing
prescription medications.
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