What are those basic emergency preparedness supplies that we should all have on hand?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests that there are six basic items that we need to stock in our home:

1.  Water

2.  Food

3.  First aid supplies

4.  Clothing, bedding and sanitation supplies

5.  Tools

6.  Special items

 

How much water do we need?

You should plan on having at least one gallon of water per person per day.  You should have at least a three day supply.  That means that for a family of four, you should be prepared with 12 gallons of water on hand.  At least half of this water should be potable.

You do want to take your particular circumstances into account as well.  For example,

- children, nursing mothers, and ill people need more water

- hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed

- a medical emergency might require more water

 

How much food do we need?

Again, you should store at least a three day supply of non-perishable food.  Select foods that are compact and lightweight.  Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.  Ensure that the foods you've selected require no cooking, unless you've also provided for an emergency source of heat.  Include a variety of the following types of foods in your 72 hour kit:

- ready-to-eat meat, fruits and vegetables - either canned or otherwise prepared to be non-perishable

- canned or powdered juices, milk and soups - if rehydration is required, ensure you store additional water

- staples - sugar, salt, pepper

- high energy foods - food bars, peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix

- vitamins

- food for infants, elderly people, persons with special dietary needs

- comfort foods - hard candy, cookies, tea bags, instant coffee

 

What should be included in the first aid kit?

A first aid kit should include:

- adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

- sterile gauze pads (2" and 4")

- hypoallergenic adhesive tape

- triangular bandages

- sterile roller bandages

- scissors

- tweezers

- needle

- moistened towelettes

- antiseptic

- thermometer

- tube of petroleum jelly

- assorted sizes of safety pins

- cleansing agent or soap

- latex gloves

- sunscreen

 

What do we need for clothing, bedding and sanitation supplies?

You should include at least one complete change of clothing per person.

You certainly need to take into consideration your climate.  If you live in a cold climate, be prepared to be without heat.  Include jackets, gloves, scarves, rain gear, thermal underwear, blankets, and sleeping bags accordingly.

For basic sanitation supplies, you should include:

- toilet paper

- soap

- personal hygiene items

- feminine supplies

- port-a-potty plastic bucket with lid

- garbage bags or sanitation bags for use with port-a-potty

- disinfectant

- household chlorine bleach

 

What tools need to be included in a disaster kit?

You should include the following basic tools in your disaster supplies kit:

- paper or tin cups, plates and utensils

- emergency preparedness manual

- portable, battery or solar/battery operated radio or television and extra batteries

- wind-up flashlight or battery powered flashlight with extra batteries

- cash and change

- manual can opener

- utility knife

- ABC type fire extinguisher

- tube tent

- pliers

- tape

- compass

- matches in a waterproof container

- aluminum foil

- plastic storage containers

- signal flare

- paper and pencil

- needles and thread

- medicine dropper

- shut-off wrench to turn off household gas and water

- whistle

- plastic sheeting

- map of the area

 

What special items might be good to have on hand?

Certainly, it depends on your family as to what special items you may require.  Remember family members with special needs, such as infants, children, the elderly, or disabled persons.

For baby, you may require formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk, and medications for baby.

For adults, you may require medication, insulin, denture needs, contact lenses, hearing aids, and eye glasses.

You should keep a record of important family documents on hand.  Have a copy of your will, insurance documents, passports, photo ID's, immunization records, birth certificated, marriage certificates, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and important phone numbers all on hand.  Keep them in a waterproof, fire retardant, portable container.

You should always include a supply of cash and coins in any emergency kit.

You should also include items that will help you pass the time:  playing cards, board games, books and crayons can be invaluable in an emergency.

 

The above information has been largely compiled from the US Department of Homeland Security FEMA.