That will entail reviewing available documents and resources for ideas and suggestions, making a list of items you have available and a list of items you will need to acquire.
While what your kit contains is dependent on your specific situation, there are recommendations for items that you need. Keep in mind that you should not store items that are dependent on water or electrical services (you have to assume that in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, these services will be unavailable).
Items That You Need
- Water: You should store at least 1 gallon per person per day. This should be drinking quality water. It might also be wise to store some form of water purification (such as a filtration system or iodine tablets).
- Food: While you may have food stored in your home, in your fridge, or in your freezer, you kit should contain at least three days worth of nutritious food. Since you may be required to leave your home, this food should be non-perishable and portable. You can store canned goods (be considerate of weight in case of evacuation), dehydrated or freeze dried foods, or even emergency food rations. If you are using canned goods, don't forget the manual can opener!
- First Aid Kit: This is one of the most important parts of the kit. As emergency services and medical services may not be available or quick in response, before, during or after a disaster, it is important that you be able to treat basic injuries on your own. You should have basic items such as bandages, antiseptics (alcohol wipes etc), antibiotic cream (such as neosporin), gauze, burn creams, tweezers, etc. You can usually buy pre-packaged first aid kits at many discount, sporting goods, and medical supply stores.
- Sheltering Supplies: You may need to shelter in place during a disaster. Your kit should contain items like dust masks (available at most home supply stores, and used to help filter low quality air), plastic sheeting, and duct tape (both used to help seal off your shelter).
- Emergency Radio: As you are likely to lose your electrical services, and you will need to be informed of any directives, news or emergency messages, it is important to have an emergency radio. These are usually battery operated or hand cranked, and are available at many retail outlets (here is an example of an Emergency Radio). If you choose a battery operated model, please remember to include additional batteries in your kit. These radios usually include access to national weather information and emergency services information.
- Clothing: As you may be required to evacuate in the event of a disaster, and you may not have time to pack, it is important to keep an extra set of warm clothes (even if you live in a warm area) and sturdy shoes in your kit to ensure you'll be okay in the event of an evacuation. It may also be suggested to have several pairs of undergarments and socks, as these items more often get soiled and may need to be changed more often.
- Flashlight: As you will likely be without power it will be important to have a source of light, especially if you are required to evacuate or the disaster leaves significant debris. Remember to also store extra batteries for your flashlight.
- Medications: This includes over-the-counter (like tylenol) and prescription medications. As you will likely not have access to a pharmacy or drug store, be sure to include a week's supply of medications. Also keep a list of all medications you take and their dosages, any allergies you may have, all of your doctors' names, and contact information for nearby hospitals.
- Money: Since banks will likely be closed in the event of a disaster, and without electricity systems using debit or credit cards will not function, it is important to have cash on hand to help get supplies. Consider having small bills (such as one dollar bills) and change (such as quarters), to allow you access to vending machines and services during a disaster or evacuation.
- Personal Documents: Remember our last challenge? Well it is important to keep these documents (or at least copies of them) in your disaster supplies kit....especially in the event of an evacuation. Store them in a waterproof container.
- Sanitary Supplies: Circumstances during a disaster may not lend themselves to sanitary conditions, and you may have specific circumstances that require special sanitary needs, so keeping sanitary supplies is important. Consider items like feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, moist towellettes, garbage bags and ties, alcohol and other disinfectants. Consider storing some bleach along with a medicine dropper. According to the Red Cross, when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Remember not to use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Tools: During an emergency you may need to do repairs, shut off services (such as your gas main), or put up shelter. It is important to have basic tools available. Consider storing items such as an adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, or even a hammer. Having the ubiquitous duct tape on hand isn't a bad idea either.
- Maps: Having maps of the local area will be important. Consider marking evacuation routes, expected road closures, and alternate paths away from your home. You can also mark meeting points, evacuation centers, family members, etc.
- Emergency Contact Information: In general your emergency plan should include having people to call. You should store this list of emergency contacts in your kit. Keep in mind that it will likely be easier to make a long distance (out of area) call during an emergency.
- Mess Supplies: As you will need to consume the food in your kit, consider storing some type of mess supplies. Keep either reusable items (available at sporting goods and camping stores) or paper plates, bowls, and utensils. Also consider keeping napkins or paper towels.
- Matches: You may need to start a fire for warmth/cooking. Consider keeping matches (especially waterproof ones) in your kit.
- Whistle: During an emergency you may become lost, trapped, or in need of assistance. Store a whistle to help you contact rescuers, neighbors or emergency personnel.
- Fire Extinguisher: While you should always have this on hand, it is important to remember it as part of your disaster kit. Fire and rescue services may not be available during a disaster. You will need to be able to care for you home and family as best as possible on your own.
- Paper and Writing Utensil: You may need to record emergency directions, addresses etc. Keep a small notepad and a pen or pencil in your kit.
- Blanket or Sleeping Bag: If you need to evacuate, you will need to have items to keep you warm while you sleep. While some emergency shelters may offer these, if you have to shelter in place in your own home or car, you will need to have these items.
- Baby Supplies: If your family includes an infant or baby, remember to include items such as forumula, diapers and wipes.
- Pet Supplies: If you have pets, keep them in mind. Store some pet foods, leashes, crates/kennels, and other items necessary to care for your pet.
- Emergency Reference Materials: Keep a copy of a first aid guide, your local evacuation plan, your family emergency plan, or other disaster related materials in your kit.
- Entertainment: You may be on your own for a while, without access to the normal venues for entertainment. Consider keeping games, puzzles, books, coloring supplies, etc. to help keep yourself busy. This can be especially important if you have small children.
Another imporant item to consider for your kit is storage. You should store your kit in a secure (preferrably water proof) and portable (in case of an evacuation) container. Consider using a plastic tote (think something like Rubbermaid), a hiking back pack, a ruck sack (or sea bag), or several smaller back packs.
So get going, get your list together, and get ready for our next challenge!
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