Emergency Kit Preparation
Here's What to Include
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.)