Water
Plan on one gallon of water per person per day. Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as mason jars or glass bottles. Use water for health.
Because water is so important to human survival, it should never be withheld. Drink at least two quarts per day, as long as supplies last, and look for alternative sources.
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of no-perishable food. Choose foods that require no refrigeration, cooking, or preparation and are compact and lightweight. If food must be cooked, include a can of sterno.
Food suggestions:
- Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
- Staples-sugar, salt, pepper
- High energy foods-peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health food bars, trail mix.
- Comfort stress foods-cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals.
- Vitamins
Container
Store the supplies in an easy-to-carry object such as a large, covered trash container, camping backpack, or a duffel bag.
First Aid Kits Have two first aid kits. Keep a complete first aid kit in your home and car.
Items to include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch gauze pads
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Triangular bandages (3)
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needles
- Moistened towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tongue blades (2)
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- Cleansing agent-soap
- Latex gloves (2 pair)
- Sunscreen
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for upset stomach)
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Laxative
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Contact your local Red Cross chapter to obtain a basic first aid textbook.
Supplies and Tools
Clothing and Bedding
- Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Rain gear
- One blanket or sleeping bag per person
- Hat and gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
Sanitation
- Toilet paper, towelettes
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Feminine supplies
- Personal items-shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, comb and brush, lip balm.
- Small shovel, for digging and expedient latrine
- Plastic garbage bag and ties
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
Special Items
Include items for household members with special needs, such as infants, elderly, or disabled individuals.
Babies
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered Milk
Medications
Elderly people
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Favorite entertainment items
Coloring books and crayons
Games
Books
Important Documents
Keep these records in a waterproof container.
- Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds.
- Passports, social security cards, immunization records
- Savings and checking account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and companies
- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Storage Suggestions
Store the kit in a safe, convenient place known to all family members. If possible, it should be a cool, dry, dark location. Keep a smaller version of your Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car. Keep items, or groups of items, in water-proof and air tight plastic bags. Change the water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Rotate the food every six months. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the proper procedure for storing prescription medications. Replace batteries often.
*reBlogged from DivineMLee
Cuddles and Crumbs 