Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit

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

• Review the checklists in this document.
• Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home.
• Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*). Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond.
• A highway spill of hazardous material could mean instant evacuation.
• A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut off basic services--gas, water, electricity and telephones--for days.

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.

• Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation)*
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

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

First Aid Kit

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

•  
• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Triangular bandages (3)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Needle
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Tongue blades (2)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Latex gloves (2 pair)
• Sunscreen

Non-Prescription Drugs

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) Contact your local American Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid manual.

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 large, covered trash container; a camping backpack; or a duffle bag.

Tools and Supplies

•  
• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils*
• Emergency preparedness manual*
• Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
• Flashlight and extra batteries*
• Cash or traveler's checks, change*
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
• Fire extinguisher: small canister, ABC type
• Tube tent
• Pliers
• Tape
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic storage containers
• Signal flare
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Medicine dropper
• Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
• Whistle
• Plastic sheeting
• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

•  
• Toilet paper, towelettes*
• Soap, liquid detergent*
• Feminine supplies*
• Personal hygiene items*
• Plastic garbage bags, ties
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Disinfectant
• Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

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

•  
• Sturdy shoes or work boots*
• Hat and gloves
• Rain gear*
• Thermal underwear
• Blankets or sleeping bags*
• Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.

•  
• For Baby*
• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• For Adults*
• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses
• Entertainment--games and books.
• Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container.

• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
• Passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Suggestions and Reminders

• Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
• Keep items in air-tight plastic bags.
• Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
• Rotate your stored food every six months.
• Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Create a Family Disaster Plan

To get started... Contact your local emergency management or civil defense office and your local American Red Cross chapter.

• Find out which disasters are most likely to happen in your community.
• Ask how you would be warned.
• Find out how to prepare for each.

Meet with your family

• Discuss the types of disasters that could occur.
• Explain how to prepare and respond.
• Discuss what to do if advised to evacuate.
• Practice what you have discussed.
• Plan how your family will stay in contact if separated by disaster.
• Pick two meeting places:

1. a location a safe distance from your home in case of fire.

2. a place outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home.

• Choose an out-of-state friend as a "check-in contact" for everyone to call.
• Complete these steps.

1. Post emergency telephone numbers by every phone.

2. Show responsible family members how and when to shut off water, gas and electricity at main switches.

3. Install a smoke detector on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms; test monthly and change the batteries two times each year.

4. Contact your local fire department to learn about home fire hazards.

5. Learn first aid and CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross chapter for information and training.

Meet with your neighbors

Plan how the neighborhood could work together after a disaster. Know your neighbors' skills (medical, technical). Consider how you could help neighbors who have special needs, such as elderly or disabled persons. Make plans for child care in case parents can't get home.

Remember to practice and maintain your plan

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Community and Family Preparedness Program and the American Red Cross Disaster Education Program are nationwide efforts to help people prepare for disasters of all types. For more information, please contact your local or State Office of Emergency Management, and your local American Red Cross chapter. Ask for "Your Family Disaster Plan" and the "Emergency Preparedness Checklist."

Or write to:

FEMA  
P.O. Box 70274
Washington, D.C. 20024
FEMA L- 189
ARC 4463

Disclaimer This document is intended for general information only. It does not provide the reader with specific direction, advice or recommendations. You may wish to contact an appropriate professional for questions concerning your particular situation.

 

Hurricane Season: Be Prepared

It’s not difficult to convince people of the seriousness of hurricanes in the aftermath of Katrina and the other major storms of 2005. The widespread devastation, injuries and death inflicted by the storms and the need for emergency preparedness was vividly displayed on every TV screen in the nation.

Millions of people in the U.S. are exposed to the risks of hurricanes and tropical storms. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), more than one of every six Americans currently live on the Atlantic coast or the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. population level in these areas has risen dramatically in the past few decades and is expected to grow even further in the next decade.

During this time of rapid population growth, there was a decrease in the number of major hurricanes hitting the U.S. than in previous decades. This means that there are far more people who have not experienced an intense hurricane or tropical storm and may not be as prepared as they need to be. Many experts now believe that the frequency of hurricanes will once again rise and we all saw ample evidence of that in 2005. As the 2006 hurricane season begins, those living in vulnerable areas of the country will want to be ready for the worst.

The season begins in June and ends in November with the most intense time between mid-August to October. The best way to avoid serious harm and damage is to plan ahead. If you live in the Atlantic or Gulf Coast region, or even if you are several hundred miles inland of those areas, you need to prepare for the potential of a catastrophe.

The American Red Cross recommends the following for preparing for a hurricane emergency:

• Develop a Personal Evacuation Plan

Determine a location that you can travel to in case of an evacuation order. Make sure you have more than one place determined (a shelter, a friend’s house, a hotel, etc). Keep a list of key phone numbers easily accessible as well as a road map in case you have to take an alternative route.

• Protect Your Home Against High Winds

Thin out diseased or damaged tree limbs on your property and strategically remove branches to help the wind blow through. If possible, install permanent storm shutters on your windows and doors. While this can be expensive, FEMA states that it is the most reliable method for protecting those vulnerable areas of your house. If you are unable to afford or construct the shutters, you can use an alternative method of making temporary ½” plywood covers. To ensure the stability of the covers, make sure you install anchors ahead of time that attach to the wall studs of the building, not just the wall covering or siding. Also, pre-drill the holes in your plywood so you can put them up quickly.

• Be Ready When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued

Listen to either the NOAA Weather Radio or your local TV/radio station for current storm information. If they issue a hurricane watch in your area, it means that hurricane conditions are possible in the area they specify, usually within the next 36 hours. Bring in anything outside your house (like lawn furniture, outdoor toys, trash cans, plants, etc) that could be blown away by the wind. Fill your car’s gas tank. Start covering all of your windows and doors with plywood if you do not have permanent storm shutters installed. Create a stockpile of emergency supplies like canned food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, medication, and drinking water.

• Be Ready When a Hurricane WARNING is Issued

If a hurricane warning is issued, that means that hurricane conditions are expected in the area specified, generally within 24 hours. If your local officials tell you to evacuate, leave as soon as you can after you’ve finished all necessary preparation activities. Know that the “eye” of the storm is deceptive and that a hurricane’s most powerful and damaging force occurs once the eye has passed over and winds blow in the opposite direction. Keep your eyes open for tornados, they are common during a hurricane or right after. If you are NOT advised to evacuate, stay indoors and away from windows. Also, keep away from flood waters. If you are driving and find that the road you’re on is flooded, turn around and find another route. Many serious injuries and even deaths occur from people attempting to drive through flood waters.

• Know What to Do When the Hurricane is Over

Continue to listen to weather reports as the hurricane moves through your area. If you have been evacuated, return home only when local officials give the go-ahead. Do not try to drive through flowing water. According to the NOAA, as little as 6” of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and 2 feet of water is enough to sweep most cars away. Inspect your house for damage and be careful of electrical hazards if you have flooding. Use flashlights instead of candles as much as possible.

If you have to travel to a shelter because of a hurricane or tropical storm, the NOAA suggests you bring the following items:

• First-aid kit
• Prescription medicine
• Battery-powered Radio
• Baby food and diapers (if necessary)
• Cards, games, books
• Battery Powered radio
• Toiletries
• Flashlight (one per person)
• Identification
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Valuable papers (like insurance paper)
• Credit card or cash
• Extra batteries 

For more information:

National Weather Service – www.nws.noaa.gov
1325 East West Highway 
Silver Spring, MD 20910

American Red Cross - www.redcross.org
2025 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
202.303.4498

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – www.fema.gov
500 C Street SW
Washington, D.C. 20472 

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