Disaster Kit
[Basic Survival Kit] [Multi Stage Survival Kit] [Pre-Made Survival Kits]
There are six basics you should stock for 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.
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.
- Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person
(two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person
in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*
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
- Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
- High energy foods
- Vitamins
- Food for infants
- Comfort/stress foods
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each
car.
- (20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
- (1) 5" x 9" sterile dressing.
- (1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
- (2) triangular bandages.
- (2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
- (2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
- (1) roll 3" cohesive bandage.
- (2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based
hand sanitizer.
- (6) antiseptic wipes.
- (2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
- Adhesive tape, 2" width.
- Anti-bacterial ointment.
- Cold pack.
- Scissors (small, personal).
- Tweezers.
- CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.
Non-Prescription Drugs
- Aspirin or nonaspirin 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)
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
- Compass
- 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 (for personal sanitation
uses)
- 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*
- Rain gear*
- Blankets or sleeping bags*
- Hat and gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Special Items
- Remember family members with special requirements,
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
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)
- Store your kit in a convenient place known to all
family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies
kit in the trunk of your car.
- Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your
stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
Replace 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.
General Disaster Preparedness Materials Children
& Disasters
- "Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (ARC 2200,
English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish) Children & Disasters
ages 3-10.
- "Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video
and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children
in grades 4-6.
To get copies of American Red Cross Community Disaster
Education materials, contact your
local Red Cross chapter.
The text on this page is in the public domain. We request
that attribution to this information be given as follows:
From "Preparing for Disaster." Developed by the American
Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security, Federal
Emergency Management Agency.
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