Disaster Supplies

Items to Have

In a disaster, you may need to be able to survive on your own for an extended period of time. This means having your own water, food, shelter and emergency supplies. The following information will help you assemble disaster supply kits for each member of your family. Your disaster supply kits should be kept in your home, car, and workplace and include at least the following items:

• An alternate cooking source such as camping stove or barbecue. Use caution to ensure that there are no gas leaks before using any kind of fire as a cooking source and never use charcoal indoors because the smoke released from them is deadly
• Battery-powered radio and flashlight with plenty of extra batteries
• Cash (in small denominations), credit cards, and valuable personal documents
• Check your items at least every six months and replace expired items regularly
• Fire extinguisher (ABC-type)
• First aid kit with plenty of bandages and disinfectants
• Manual can opener and eating/drinking utensils
• Personal hygiene supplies and toiletries, including soap/disinfectant, plastic bags for waste, and sanitizer
• Supplies for special needs individuals, infants, and pets
• Towels, blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags
• Two-week supply of non-perishable packaged or canned food
• Two-week supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and water purification tablets
• Warm/cold clothing and shoes