Disaster Preparedness

A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that could be needed in the event of a disaster.

Assemble the following items to create kits for use at home, the office, at school and/or in a vehicle:

• Water - three gallons for each person who would use the kit and an additional four gallons per person or pet for use if you are confined to your home
• Food - a three-day supply in the kit and at least an additional four-day supply per person or pet for use at home

You may want to consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water in your home.

• Items for infants - including formula, diapers, bottles, pacifiers, powdered milk and medications not requiring refrigeration
• Items for seniors, disabled persons or anyone with serious allergies - including special foods, denture items, extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries, prescription and non-prescription medications that are regularly used, inhalers and other essential equipment.
• Kitchen accessories - a manual can opener; mess kits or disposable cups, plates and utensils; utility knife; sugar and salt; aluminum foil and plastic wrap; re-sealable plastic bags
• A portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra, fresh batteries
• Several flashlights and extra, fresh batteries
• A first aid kit
• One complete change of clothing and footwear for each person - including sturdy work shoes or boots, raingear and other items adjusted for the season, such as hats and gloves, thermal underwear, sunglasses, dust masks
• Blankets or a sleeping bag for each person
• Sanitation and hygiene items - shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm, sunscreen, contact lenses and supplies and any medications regularly used, toilet paper, towelettes, soap, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, plastic garbage bags (heavy-duty) and ties (for personal sanitation uses), medium-sized plastic bucket with tight lid, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach
• Other essential items - paper, pencil, needles, thread, small A-B-C-type fire extinguisher, medicine dropper, whistle, emergency preparedness manual
• Entertainment - including games and books, favorite dolls and stuffed animals for small children
• A map of the area marked with places you could go and their telephone numbers
• An extra set of keys and IDs - including keys for cars and any properties owned and copies of driver's licenses, passports and work identification badges
• Cash and coins and copies of credit cards
• Copies of medical prescriptions
• Matches in a waterproof container
• A small tent, compass and shovel

Pack the items in easy-to-carry containers, label the containers clearly and store them where they would be easily accessible. Duffle bags, backpacks, and covered trash receptacles are good candidates for containers. In a disaster situation, you may need access to your disaster supplies kit quickly - whether you are sheltering at home or evacuating. Following a disaster, having the right supplies can help your household endure home confinement or evacuation.

Make sure the needs of everyone who would use the kit are covered, including infants, seniors and pets. It's good to involve whoever is going to use the kit, including children, in assembling it.

APHA's Preparedness Self-Assessment Tool

 Take this quick test to see if you are ready for a disaster. http://www.nphw.org/2007/pg_howprepared.htm