Disaster Supplies Kit

Preparations

Every home should have a disaster supplies kit at the ready all throughout the year in case of emergencies. To get you started we suggest you use one or two large storage containers or bins that are waterproof and constructed of durable material, such as plastic. Some of the basic items you will want to include are:

• Bottled water and food (PDF) (ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables)
• Medications and special items (prescription medications, non-prescription, items for the elderly or physically disabled)
• Tools and supplies (hand tools, flashlights, batteries, battery-powered radios)
• Sanitation supplies (paper towels, toilet paper, soap, personal hygiene, disinfectant, alcohol-based hand cleaner)
• Clothing and bedding (complete change of clothes, shoes, blankets, sleeping bags, rain gear, hats)
• Emergency car kit
• First aid kit (bandages, triangular bandages, ace bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic, cold packs, tweezers, scissors)
• Important family documents (insurance policies, medical records, financial documents, passports, social security cards)

Additional Information

For a more comprehensive list of supplies, we suggest you consult one of the web sites we have listed below, such as the American Red Cross, Ready.gov, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more detailed information on food and water supplies, you can view a PDF file published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.