Building a Disaster Prepared Kit
It's easier than you think!
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Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond.

Blue metal chemical drums wtih rust around the outsideA highway spill of hazardous material could mean instant evacuation. A yellow sign that reads "Danger: End of Storm Drain" sticking out of a flooded areaA winter storm could confine your family at home. A tornado touching down on land taken from a distance. The clouds are blue and the ground is green. An earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut off basic services - gas, water, electricity and telephones - for days.

After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to cope with the emergency until help arrives?

Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

To prepare your kit

SUPPLIES
There are six basics you should stock in your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container--suggested items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include:

A silver metal trash can with the lid on the side against a white background.   A black backpack with paperwork sticking out of the pockets  A green duffle bag with black straps.  A black wheeled suitacse 
a large, covered trash container;  a camping backpack;  a duffle bag;   or a wheeled luggage bag. 

WATER
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more.

FOOD
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
*Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

  • Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
  • Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
  • Staples--sugar, salt, pepper
  • High energy foods--peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
  • Vitamins
  • Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
  • Comfort/stress foods--cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea bags
A sterno stove kit A red bowl with granola bars on a blue table with green background.

FIRST AID KIT
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit* should include:

Non-prescription drugs

Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.   

SUGGESTIONS AND REMINDERS

Tools and Supplies

Sanitation

*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

SPECIAL ITEMS
Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
For Baby*

For Adults*

Entertainment--games and books.

IMPORTANT FAMILY DOCUMENTS
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.