Developing a Family Disaster Supplies Kit -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Disaster can happen anytime to anyone. And when it does, there may not be much time to react. Would your family be prepared to take care of itself until help arrived? Your family will handle the disaster best by preparing in advance. One way to do this is to assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. When disaster strikes you won't have time to shop or hunt for supplies. By having them together in advance, your family will better weather a disaster. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO PREPARE YOUR KIT Gather the following supplies: WATER Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles or buy one-gallon containers of water. Store one gallon of water per-person per-day for a three-day period. FOOD Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable foods that do not require refrigeration, cooking, a lot of water or a lengthy preparation. Such items might include ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables, canned juices, peanut butter, jelly, trail mix, and staples (sugar, salt, pepper). Don't forget foods for family members with special needs such as infants or those on special diets. FIRST AID KIT Sterile adhesive bandages Scissors Tweezers Needle Moist towlettes Antiseptic Thermometer Petroleum jelly Cleanser/soap Aspirin/pain reliever Assorted sterile gauze pads Antacid Laxative TOOLS AND SUPPLIES Paper cups, plates & plastic utensils Battery operated radio and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Non-electric can opener and utility knife Pliers Tape Signal flare Needles & thread Wrench Map of the area Aluminum foil SANITATION Toilet paper Soap Personal hygiene items Plastic garbage bags with ties Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant Household chlorine bleach CLOTHING & BEDDING Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person. Blankets/sleeping bags Sunglasses Sturdy shoes/workboots Rain gear SPECIAL ITEMS Remember, some family members might need special items such as: Infant formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk Prescription medications, insulin, denture needs, extra eye glasses and/or contact lens supplies. Important family documents: birth certificates, marriage licenses, wills, bank account numbers, deeds, credit card numbers and companies, insurance policies, passports (Keep these items in a watertight container). --------------------------------------------------------------------------------