Because emergencies can occur with little or no warning, it is best to be prepared. The American Red Cross advises citizens to have an emergency survival kit on hand for the home as well as one packed and ready to go if evacuation is necessary. It recommends up to two weeks of supplies for a home kit, to assist in the event a disaster causes loss of power, running water and other amenities. The evacuation bag should contain at least three days worth of supplies to help you survive until you have made your way to safety.
Food and Water
Food and water are essentials for your survival kit. The American Red Cross recommends storing one gallon of water per person, per day. Foods should be nonperishable and can include items such as peanut butter; canned juices; dried fruits; and canned goods such as juices, beans and soups. If your family includes a baby, have canned baby formula and bottles on hand. Stock additional water for pets, along with a supply of dried pet food.
Tools
Pack a flashlight and battery-operated radio, along with extra batteries. Include a can opener for canned food items and a multitool pocket knife. Store matches and a cigarette lighter in a waterproof container to ensure readiness if you need a source of fire. Cell phones and chargers should be ready to go as well.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is necessary in the event of injury. Items to stock in the first aid kit include sterile gloves and dressings to assist if someone is bleeding, soap or another sterile cleansing agent, burn and antibiotic ointments, bandages, eyewash solution, and a thermometer. A supply of vital prescription medicines such as blood pressure pills, insulin and asthma remedies should also be included along with over-the-counter pain relievers, laxatives, antacids and diarrhea medications.
Clothing and Blankets
Pack two changes of clothing for each person. At least one of these sets should include long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of sturdy, broken-in shoes. Include at least one blanket or sleeping bag per person.
Documents and Cash
Pack important paperwork in a waterproof container. Documents to consider include driver's licenses, birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, wills, banking information and deeds. Have cash available because credit and debit card systems will be useless without power to support their networks.
Paper Goods and Sanitary Items
Include toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates and plastic utensils. Wet wipes, baby diapers and feminine hygiene products may also be needed. Pack toothbrushes and toothpaste, along with any denture supplies. Include plastic garbage bags and ties for disposal of waste.
According to Ready America, household chlorine bleach can be used as a disinfectant when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach. You may also add 16 drops of regular bleach to one gallon of water to treat water for drinking in an emergency. Keep a medicine dropper and a gallon of regular bleach on hand for such purposes.
