Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit
During a disaster, it is important for residents be ready to take care of themselves & their families until help can arrive.
As a general rule, you should be prepared to take care of yourself and your family for at least three days. Assembling supplies in an emergency preparedness kit will help! Consider keeping a kit at home, at work, and even in your vehicle, so that you are prepared wherever you are.
What Do You Need in an Emergency Preparedness Kit?
- Non-perishable food items
- Water– at least one gallon per person per day
- Manual can opener
- First aid supplies
- Copies of important documents (birth certificates, licenses and insurance policies.) Be sure to also include recent photos of family members, pets and household items of value. Consider keeping a copy of these documents on a password-protected USB drive.
- Any special items for family members, such as infant formula, eyeglasses and medications
- Change of clothing
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Battery powered radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Whistle
- Waterproof matches
- Comfort items (toys, books, puzzles, and games)
- Extra house keys and car keys
- List of contact names and phone numbers
- Food, water and supplies for pets
Additional Items to Consider:
Hygiene and Sanitation Items
- Bar soap and shampoo
- Baby wipes
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Infant supplies
- Toilet paper
- Cleaning supplies
- Household bleach with no additives, and an eyedropper for purifying drinking water
- Large trash bags
Tools
- Crescent wrench for turning off gas/utilities
- Screwdriver, pliers and hammer
- Plastic tape and sheeting
- Knife or razor blades
For more information about building an emergency preparedness kit visit: www.ready.gov/build-a-kit