How to create a disaster kit
Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. Sadly, when an emergency happens, you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill of hazardous material could prompt an evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, fire, or any other disaster could cut water, electricity, and telephones-for days.
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on the scene, but they it’s impossible for them to reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it could 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. The Red Cross says that one way to prepare is by assembling an Emergency 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.
Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container like a duffle bag or camping backpack. And make sure these supplies are in an easily accessible place (say your hallway closet) and that everyone in your family knows where it is.
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.
Water
Store a minimum of one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. You should store a three day supply. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of ready-to-eat, canned 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. (And if you have a pet, don’t forget to store food and water for him too!)
First Aid Kits
You should have two: one for your home and one for the car. Both should include the following:
- sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- assorted sizes of safety pins
- soap
- latex gloves
- sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
- bandages (various sizes)
- ace bandages (various sizes)
- scissors
- tweezers
- needles
- moistened towelettes
- antiseptic
- thermometer
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: 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)
A few things to remember:
- 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 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.
Sources:
National Fire Protection Association
