Emergency Kit Preparation

Emergency Kit

Preparedness is the key to survival in any disaster, including hurricanes and terrorism, and having a family disaster supply kit handy can aid in recovery. The following shopping list should help residents to assemble the basic items for a family disaster supply kit over a four-week period without causing a significant financial burden.

Week One

Hardware store:

• containers to hold disaster supply kit (large plastic tub with lid, backpack, etc.)
• flashlights
• portable tool kit
• roll of duct tape
• utility knife
• tarp (to cover a leaky roof if necessary)
• battery-operated radio
• batteries for flashlights and radio

Purchase or gather from existing household supply:

• blanket or sleeping bag for each member of the household
• small pillow for each member of the household
• towels
• books or games for entertainment
• local road map
• set of extra clothing and shoes for each member of the household

Week Two

Grocery store:

• cans of meat for each member of the household (i.e., tuna, chicken, chili, beef stew, corned beef)
• cans of ready-to-eat soup for each member of the household
• cans of vegetables for each member of the household
• cans of fruit for each member of the household
• box of heavy-duty garbage bags with ties
• box of zip-lock food storage bags for storing important papers and small items
• hand-operated can opener

Week Three

Drug store:

• toothbrush for each member of the household
• large tube toothpaste
• bottles of necessary over-the-counter and prescription medications
• box of sanitary wipes or liquid hand sanitizer
• feminine hygiene supplies
• bottle of shampoo
• family-size first aid kit

Week Four

Grocery store:

• gallons of water for each member of the household, including pets (at least one gallon per person per day)
• containers/boxes quick energy snacks (granola bars, nuts, raisins, trail mix)
• jar of peanut butter
• large cans of juice (not concentrate)
• rolls of paper towels
• 6-roll pack of toilet paper

If needed, purchase extra items for:

• pets (food, leashes, toys, etc.)
• children (baby food, formula, diapers, coloring books, etc.)
• elderly or special needs family members (hearing aid batteries, medications, special food, etc.)