Emergency Preparedness: Creating a Disaster Supplies Kit

EmergencyPreparedness:

Creatinga Disaster Supplies

Kit

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when a disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond.

A highway spill of hazardous materials could mean instant evacuation.

HM Picture

A hurricane or winter storm could confine your family at home.

A flood, tornado, or any other disaster could cut off basic services - gas, water, electricity, and phones - for days.

Holly Beach Picture (Before)

After a disaster, local responders will be on the scene, but cannot reach everyone immediately. It

could take hours or days for help to arrive.

Your family will cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes. Once a disaster strikes, you won’t have time to shop or search for supplies.

One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit in portable, easy-to-carry containers.

WATER

• Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles (avoid using milk cartons or glass bottles).

• Store one gallon of water per person per day ( two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation).

• Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

FOOD

• Store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food.

• Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno (heating device).

FIRST AID KIT

• Sterile adhesive bandages• Gauze pads and adhesive tape• Sterile roller bandages• Scissors/tweezers/needle• Antiseptic• Thermometer• Non-prescription drugs

CLOTHING AND BEDDINGInclude at least one complete clothing and footwear per person.

• Sturdy Shoes• Raingear• Blankets or Sleeping bags• Hats and Gloves• Thermal Underwear• Sunglasses

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES• Paper Plates/Cups/Utensils• Non-Electric Can Opener, Utility Knife• Battery Operated Radio and extra

Batteries• Flashlight and extra Batteries• Cash or Travelers Checks• Fire Extinguisher (ABC type)• Pliers/Tape

SANITATION• Toilet Paper, Towelettes• Soap, Liquid Detergent• Feminine Supplies• Personal Hygiene Items• Plastic Garbage Bags• Disinfectant• Household Chlorine Bleach• Plastic bucket with a tight lid

SPECIAL ITEMSFor Baby

• Formula• Diapers• Bottles• Powdered Milk• Medications

SPECIAL ITEMSFor Adults

• Heart and Blood Pressure Medications

• Insulin• Prescription Drugs• Denture Needs• Contact Lenses and Supplies• Extra Eyeglasses

ENTERTAINMNET

• Games• Books• Cards

IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS *Keep these in a waterproof portable

container.• Will, Insurance Policies, Deeds,

Stocks and Bonds, Family Records• Passports, Social Security Cards,

Immunization Records• Bank Account Numbers, Credit Card

Account Numbers, Property Inventory

TIPS• Store your kit in a convenient

location.• Keep items in an airtight plastic

bag.• Change your stored water supply

every six months to keep it fresh.• Rotate your stored food every six

months.

MEET WITH YOUR FAMILY

• Discuss what you would do in the event of an emergency.

• Explain to them how to prepare.

• Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster

• Pick two meeting places:1.A location of a safe distance

from your home in case of fire2.A location outside your

neighborhood in case you can’t return home

• Choose an out-of-state friend as a “check-in-contact” for everyone to call