The following is a suggested list of supplies to assemble for your Emergency/Disaster Supply Kit:
- Water. Stock plenty of emergency water, especially if you have your own well. Fill your bathtub with cold water-for cleaning and bathing-if you expect there is a chance of an extended power outage. Separately, keep clean containers filled with drinking water. Stock at least one gallon of drinking water per day per person.
- Food. Have a three-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Crackers, bread, peanut butter, granola bars, nuts, and canned or dried fruits, are good choices. Have several coolers and plenty of ice if you plan to keep foods that need to stay cold. Don’t forget disposable cups, plates and eating utensils, manual can opener, aluminum foil or plastic wrap, plastic storage containers and paper towels.
- Battery-Powered Radio or TV. Be sure to have a battery-powered radio, NOAA weather radio or TV so you can receive weather reports and power outage repair updates. Don’t forget to have a supply of batteries.
- Alternate Light Source. Have one flashlight for each person. A battery operated lantern is a good secondary light source. Remember to store extra batteries. Check batteries once a year and purchase new batteries if necessary.
- First Aid Kit. Purchase an over-the-counter first aid kit or make your own. The kit should include sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes, sterile gauze pads, hypoallergenic adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, needles, moistened towelettes, bottle or antiseptic spray or hydrogen peroxide, thermometer, wooden applicator sticks, petroleum jelly or other lubricant, assorted sizes of safety pins, cleansing agent- bar or liquid soap, latex gloves, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative, eye wash and rubbing alcohol. Remember to store a supply of daily prescription medications, if necessary.
- Sanitary Supplies. Stock an adequate supply of toilet paper, soap or antibacterial hand gel, feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, plastic garbage bags and ties, plastic bucket with a tight lid, disinfectant and household chlorine bleach.
- Special Items. Remember special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members. For infants and young children keep baby food, canned milk, formula and disposable diapers handy. Consider keeping a few different toys handy as well. The novelty of a new toy may distract and quiet a frightened or tired child. Be sure to make arrangements for elderly and disabled family members if they require electricity for medical equipment.
- Fire Extinguisher. Have a UL listed fire extinguisher labeled for class A, B, and C fires, for use on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. Be sure everyone knows how to use it.
- Phone. Cordless phones will not work without power. Have a cellular phone or phone that uses a landline in case of an emergency and to report an outage.