American Red Cross
Family Disaster Supplies Kit
The Best Time to Plan? Right Now!
The key, say the experts, is being pro-active; being informed about how your community handles emergencies, planning and practicing family evacuation drills, and accessing the information necessary to make educated decisions rather than frantic guesses about how to safeguard your family and home.
According to meteorological experts at The Weather Channel, the best ally you can have in a severe weather situation is accurate, timely information. Says Rocky Lopes of the American Red Cross, "Preparing now will enable you and your family to cope more easily and help you begin your recovery more quickly." If, as you read this, the sky is blue and the sun is shining, the time to begin preparing is now.
American Red Cross Family Disaster Supplies Kit
These contents can be assembled over a five month period on a weekly basis and perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months.
For more information on assembling and refreshing supplies, contact the American Red Cross for their Disaster Supplies kit brochure.
Be sure to develop a complete Family Weather Emergency Plan!
Essentials:
- Battery-operated radio
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Do not include candles, which cause more fires after a disaster than
anything else
Water:
- 3 gallons/person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container
- Additional water for sanitation
Food:
Minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration
or preparation and little or no water.
- Dry cereal
- Peanut butter
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Canned juice
- Ready-to-eat canned meats
- Ready-to-eat soups (not
concentrated)
- Quick energy snacks, graham
crackers
First Aid Kit:
(one for your home and one for each car)
- Scissors
- Sun screen
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Tongue blades (2)
- Moistened towelettes
- Assorted sizes of safety pins
- 2" sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4" sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 2" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- 3" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Triangular bandages (3)
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Non-Prescription Drugs:
- Laxative
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Activated Charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Tools and Supplies:
- Whistle
- Aluminum foil
- Crowbar
- Compass
- Paper, pencil
- Plastic sheeting
- Medicine dropper
- Needles, thread
- Signal flare
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Assorted nails, wood screws
- Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
- Plastic storage containers
- Heavy cotton or hemp rope
- Cash or traveler's checks, change
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
- Tape, duct and plumber's tape or strap iron
- Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Sanitation:
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
- Soap, liquid detergent
- Personal hygiene items
- Feminine supplies
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Clothing and Bedding:
- Sunglasses
- Rain gear
- Hat and gloves
- Sturdy shoes or work boots
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Thermal underwear
- One complete change of clothing and footwear per person
For Baby:
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Medication
- Powdered milk
For Pets:
- Food
- Leash, harness or carrier
- Records of vaccinations
- Non-tippable food and water containers
Important Family Documents:
- Important telephone numbers
- Record of bank account numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
- Inventory of valuable household goods
- Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
- Record of credit card account numbers and companies
- Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records
Family Medical Needs:
- Insulin
- Prescription drugs
- Denture needs
- Extra eye glasses
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
Entertainment:
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