CNN Food Central - Preparedness kit

Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day.

Keep at least a three-day supply of water (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation/sanitation for each person in your household per day).

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables

Canned juices

Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)

High-energy foods

Vitamins

Food for infants

Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A first aid kit should include:

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

Assorted sizes of safety pins

Cleansing agent/soap

Latex gloves (2 pairs)

Sunscreen

2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)

Triangular bandages (3)

Non-prescription drugs

2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

Scissors

Tweezers

Needle

Moistened towelettes

Antiseptic

Thermometer

Tongue blades (2)

Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

Non-Prescription Drugs

Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

Anti-diarrhea medication

Antacid (for stomach upset)

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)

Tools and Supplies

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

Emergency preparedness manual

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

Cash or traveler's checks, change

Non-electric can opener, utility knife

Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type

Tube tent

Pliers

Tape

Compass

Matches in a waterproof container

Aluminum foil

Plastic storage containers

Signal flare

Paper, pencil

Needles, thread

Medicine dropper

Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water

Whistle

Plastic sheeting

Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes

Soap, liquid detergent

Feminine supplies

Personal hygiene items

Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)

Plastic bucket with tight lid

Disinfectant

Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

Sturdy shoes or work boots

Rain gear

Blankets or sleeping bags

Hat and gloves

Thermal underwear

Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby

Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk

For Adults

Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment
Games and books

Entertainment

Games and books

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds

Passports, social security cards, immunization records

Bank account numbers

Credit card account numbers and companies

Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers

Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Tips

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members.

Keep a smaller version of the Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.

Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Rethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

Source: American Red Cross

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November 18, 1999

RELATED SITES:

American Red Cross -- Disaster Services
American Red Cross -- Y2K Preparedness

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