Every family should have at least two weeks of emergency supplies. These supplies will help you survive without water, power, or having to leave your home in case of a disaster. They can also help during those times of unexpected financial trouble. You should personalize your emergency supplies to fill the needs of your family. Don’t forget your pet’s needs too. Be careful to routinely check the expiration dates on your supplies. Try to keep your supplies in a central, easy to reach location within your home. Rotate your supplies periodically and replace what you use as soon as you can. Most of these items you will already have in your home.
Water – 1 gallon per person per day or 14 gallons for 2 weeks per person. You may want to store more than that to bath with, wash clothes, cook, etc…
Food – enough food for at least 2 weeks. Be sure that this food does not have to be refrigerated or cooked. If you want to include food that has to be cook, make to include a way to cook your food like a grill or camp stove. Don’t forget the snacks and little treats.
Medications and medical supplies – keep an extra two weeks’ worth or more on hand.
Money – if you can keep cash on hand ($50 - $200) in case of power outages or emergency trips. For example a lot of hospital cafeterias take cash only.
First Aid Kit – it is usually a good idea to include a basic first aid manual in your kit as a reminder.
Sanitation needs – how will you deal with a loss of water/sewer in a disaster? Don’t forget to keep 2 weeks extra personal hygiene supplies on hand at all times.
Entertainment – include games, coloring books & crayons, books, etc… to pass the time.
Tools – this is where most people have to spend a little money. It is very helpful to have on hand any or all of the following:
Flashlights or camp lanterns with extra batteries
Battery powered radio with extra batteries
Map of the area & your evacuation routes
Whistle to signal for help.
Fire extinguisher(s)
Shut-off wrench for your utilities
Crowbar – to move heavy objects or open stuck doors
Corded phone - the cordless ones don’t work without power
Non electric can opener
Dust masks
Tent(s)
Tarps
Duck tape
Rope
Chain saw (if you have large trees in your yard)
