If a disaster occurs in your community, local agencies and disaster-relief groups are there to help you. However, emergency personnel may not be able to reach you immediately, or they may need to focus their efforts elsewhere. Your emergency preparedness will be the key to you and your family’s safety and survival.
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit
Everyone should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Listed below are some basic items that each emergency supply kit should include. However, it is important that everyone review this list and consider where they live and their unique needs in order to create an emergency supply kit that will meet these needs for their family. Consider having at least two emergency kits, one full kit at home and a smaller portable kit in your vehicle, at school, at work or other places you spend time.
Print a copy of this list to make it easier to use.
¡ Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation and a possible nine days. ¡ Food, at least a three to nine day supply of non-perishable food and a portable stove.
¡ Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
¡ Flashlight and extra batteries
¡ First aid kit
¡ Whistle to signal for help
¡ Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and 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
¡ Can opener for food (if kit contains canned foods)
¡ Local maps
¡ Cell phone and chargers
Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit
¡ Prescriptions medications and glasses
¡ Infant formula and diapers
¡ Pet food and water for your pet
¡ Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
¡ Cash or traveler’s checks and change
¡ Emergency reference material, such as a first aid book
¡ Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person; consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate and rain gear.
¡ 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.
¡ Fire extinguisher
¡ Matches in a waterproof container Candles! ¡ Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
¡ Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
¡ Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Disaster Preparedness Tactics
Having essential survival plans and supplies like a family communication plan and emergency kits can provide the necessary resources to help you and your family get through a lot of difficult situations that may come up unforeseen, a bad storm, fires, earthquake being a few of them.
When Breathing Stops
FOR CONSCIOUS VICTIM: If victim can cough, speak, or breath…Do not interfere. If victim cannot cough, speak, or breathe, have someone call for help!
Emergency Preparedness For Your Pets
Ensuring the safety and well-being of your pets during an emergency is as crucial as looking after any other family member. A comprehensive emergency plan for your pets can significantly reduce stress and worry for everyone involved. This guide will help you create a robust emergency strategy, complete with a specialized pet emergency kit that caters to the unique needs of your furry companions.
