To prepare your kit

Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home. Place the supplies you’d most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.

WATER

- Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least 2 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. (Two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation).Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household.

FOOD

- Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable 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 & vegetables.
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water).
• Staples such as sugar, salt, pepper.
• High-energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail mix.
• Vitamins
• Foods for infants, elderly person or persons with special diets.
• Comfort/stress food - cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereal, lollipops, instant coffee, and tea bags

FIRST-AID KIT - assemble a kit for your home and one for each car. A first-aid kit should include:.

Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes. 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6) Hypoallergenic adhesive tape Triangular bandages (3) 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)	Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant. Assorted sizes of safety pins, Scissors, Needle, Tweezers Cleansing agent/soap Latex gloves (2 pairs) Moistened towelettes, Antiseptic Thermometer (medical), Tongue blades (2) Sunscreen
Non-prescription drugs
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever Anti-diarrhea medication, Laxative	Antacid (for stomach upset)

Contact your local American Red Cross Chapter to obtain a basic first-aid manual and training.

TOOLS and SANITATION
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and utensils Battery operated radio & extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Cash, traveler’s checks, change Non-electric can opener, utility knife Map of the area (for locating shelters) Emergency Preparedness Manual Fire extinguisher: small - ABC type	Tent, Pliers, Tape (duct) Compass Paper, pencil, Signal flare Whistle, Plastic sheeting Medicine dropper Matches in a waterproof container Plastic storage containers, bags Shut-off wrench- to turn off house gas & water Sewing kit (needles, thread) Aluminum foil
Sanitation
Toilet paper, towelettes Soap, liquid detergent Feminine supplies	Plastic garbage bags, ties Plastic bucket with tight lid Disinfectant- chlorine bleach

CLOTHING and BEDDING

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person including sturdy shoes or work boots, rain gear, blankets or sleeping bags, sunglasses, thermal underwear, hat and gloves.

SPECIAL ITEMS

Remember family members with special needs, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
For Baby
Formula, diapers, bottles, medications, powdered milk
For Adults
Heart and high blood pressure medication, other prescription drugs, Insulin, extra eye glasses,
contact lenses and supplies, denture needs

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.

If you have pets, include the following items in your kit:

Identification collar and rabies tag
Pet carrier or cage
Leash
Medications
Newspaper, litter, trash bags for waste
Two-week supply of food and water
Veterinary records (necessary if your pet has to go to a shelter)