What
you have on hand when a disaster
happens can make a big difference. Plan
to store enough supplies for everyone in your household for at
least three days.
- Water. Have at least one gallon per person per day.
- Food.
Pack non-perishable, high-protein items, including energy
bars, ready-to-eat soup, peanut butter, etc. Select
foods that
require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and
little or no water.
- Flashlight. Include extra batteries.
- First aid kit. Pack a
reference guide.
- Medications. Don't forget prescription and
non-prescription items.
- Battery-operated radio. Include
extra
batteries.
- Tools. Assemble a wrench to turn off gas if
necessary, a manual can opener, a screwdriver, hammer,
pliers,
a knife, duct tape,
plastic sheeting and garbage bags and ties.
- Clothing. Provide a change of clothes for everyone, including sturdy
shoes and gloves.
- Personal items. Remember eyeglasses or contact
lenses and solution; copies of important papers, including
identification cards, insurance
policies, birth certificates,
passports, etc.; and comfort items such as
toys and books.
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- Sanitary
supplies. You'll want toilet paper, towelettes,
feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, bleach, etc.
- Money. Have cash. (ATMs and credit cards won't
work if power is out.)
- Contact information. Carry a
current list of family phone numbers and e-mail addresses,
including someone out of the area who may be easier to reach
if local phone lines are out of service or
overloaded.
- Pet supplies. Include food, water, leash,
litter box or plastic bags, tags, any medications and vaccination
information.
- Map. Consider marking an evacuation route on it from
your local area.
Include any necessary items for infants, seniors and people
with disabilities in your kit. Store your disaster supplies
in a sturdy but easy-to-carry container. A large covered
trash container, overnight backpack or duffel bag will work.
Keep
a smaller version of the kit in your vehicle. If you become
stranded or are not able to return home, having some items
with you will help you be more comfortable until help arrives.
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