Scenario
Every year hundreds of families must deal with the tragic consequences of flooding, fires, tornadoes and other disasters. Victims must deal with situations ranging from loss of electrical power to complete loss of their homes. No matter what the situation, a disaster supply kit can aide families when tragedy strikes.
Disaster Supply Kit
Assemble the supplies you might need. Store them in an easy-to-carry container. Duffle bags, large trash cans with a snap tight lid or backpack type containers have all been used for containing the supplies you will need.
What Should a Kit Include:
There are six main categories of items that are needed in a disaster supplies kit. You and your family will need water, food, first aid supplies, tools and building supplies, clothing and bedding, and special items for family members.
| Water |
- A supply of water for drinking and cooking (One gallon per person per day). This water should be stored in sealed, unbreakable containers.
- Have enough supply for at least three days
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| Food |
- Non-perishable (canned) meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Canned juices, milk, and soups (If dehydrated remember to store extra water)
- Salt, pepper, sugar
- High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars
- Foods for infants, elderly, or those with special diets
- Non-electric can opener
- Comfort/Stress foods - coffee, tea, hard candy, and sweet cereals
- If the Electricity Goes Off.....
Use perishable foods from the refrigerator first. Then use foods from the freezer. To minimize the number of times you open the freezer door, post a list of the freezer contents on the door. In a well-insulated freezer, foods will usually still have ice crystals in their center, (meaning the foods are safe to eat) for at least three days. Finally, begin to use nonperishable foods and other staples.
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First Aid Kit
You should have two first aid kits; one for your home, the other for your car. An emergency first aid kit should include:
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Bandaging and Splinting Supplies:
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Sterile gauze pads
2-inch & 3-inch sterile roll bandages
Triangular bandages
Folding splints |
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Medical Tools
Scissors
Tweezers
Safety razor blade
Thermometer
Tongue blades and wooden applicator sticks
Antiseptic spray
Latex gloves
Cleansing agent/soap
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Safety glasses |
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Non-Prescription Drugs:
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Laxative
Eye Wash
Rubbing alcohol
Antiseptic or hydrogen peroxide
Activated charcoal and Syrup of Ipecac (use if advised by the Poison Control Center) |
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| Tools and Supplies |
- A battery-operated radio (with extra batteries)
- A flashlight (with extra batteries)
- Paper plates and utensils, including a bottle and non-electric can opener
- Toilet articles and sanitary needs (soaps, plastic garbage bags for waste storage, disinfectant, personal hygiene products)
- Fire extinguisher
- Plastic Storage Containers (Baggies will work well)
- Wrench for turning off home utilities
- Whistle
- Plastic Sheeting for covering holes in roofs or keeping remaining valuables dry. Plastic is also useful for shelter-in-place actions during chemical emergencies
- City map
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| Clothing and Bedding |
- At least one change of clothing per person
- Blankets or sleeping bags (1 per person).
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- Sunglasses
- Thermal underwear (season dependant)
- Sunglasses
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| Special Items |
For Baby
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered Milk
- Medications
For Adults
- Extra contacts and glasses
- Personal Papers (Can be made part of the Family Disaster Plan)
- Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, and bonds
- Passports, Social Security Cards, Immunization Records
- Credit card account numbers and company contacts
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Inventory of valuable household goods
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