Overall
Why Prepare?
Citizen
Local
State
Federal
Basic Preparedness
Getting Informed
Planning and
Checklists
Special Needs
Disaster Supplies Kit
Shelter
Others
Natural Hazards
Floods
Hurricanes
Thunderstorms and lightning
Tornadoes
Winter storms and extreme cold
Extreme heat
Earthquakes
Volcanoes
Landslides and debris flow
Tsunamis
Fires
Wildfires
Technological Hazards
Hazardous materials incidents
Household chemical emergencies
Nuclear power plant emergencies
Terrorism
Explosions
Biological threats
Chemical threats
Nuclear blasts
Radiological dispersion device events
Recovering from Disaster
Health and safety guidelines
Returning home
Seeking disaster assistance
Coping with disaster
Helping others
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Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit
You may need to survive on your own after a disaster. This
means having your own food, water and other supplies in
ample quantity to last for at least three days. Local
officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a
disaster, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You
could get help in hours or, at the worst, days.
Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage
treatment and telephones may be cut off for weeks or longer.
There may be need to evacuate at a moment’s notice and have
to take essentials with you, not having the opportunity to
shop or search for the supplies you need.
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items that
members of a household may need in the event of a disaster.
Where should I keep a Supplies Kit?
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency
occurs be sure to prepare supplies for home, work and
vehicles.
Home
Your disaster supplies kit should contain essential food,
water, and supplies for at least three days.
Keep this kit in a desig¬nated place and have it ready in
case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all
family members know where the kit is kept.
Additionally, you may want to consider having supplies for
sheltering for up to two weeks
Work
This kit should be in one container, and ready to "grab and
go" in case you are evacuated from your workplace.
Make sure you have food and water in the kit. Also, be sure
to have com¬fortable walking shoes at your workplace in case
an evacuation requires walking long distances.
Car
In case you are strand¬ed, keep a kit of emer¬gency supplies
in your car.
This kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies,
flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies.
What can I do to Plan for Water Needs?
How Much Water do I Need?
You should store at least one gallon of water per person per
day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon
of water daily just for drinking.
Additionally, in determining adequate quantities, take the
following into account:
Individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition,
activity, diet and climate
Children, nursing mothers and ill people need more water
Very hot temperatures can double the amount of water needed
A medical emergency might require additional water
How Should I Store Water?
To prepare the safest and most reliable emergency supply of
water, it is recommended you purchase commercially bottled
water. Keep bottled water in its original container and do
not open it until you need to use it.
Observe the expiration or “use by” date.
If you are preparing your own containers of water
It is recommended you purchase approved water storage
containers from surplus or camping stores to use for water
storage. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the
containers with dishwashing soap and water and rinse
completely.
If you choose to use your own storage containers, choose
two-liter plastic soft drink bottles – not plastic jugs or
cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in
them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately
removed from these containers and provide an environment for
bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard
containers also leak easily and are not designed for
long-term storage of liquids. Sanitize the bottles by adding
a solution of 1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household
chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the sanitizing
solution in the bottle so that it touches all surfaces.
After sanitizing the bottle, thoroughly rinse out the
sanitizing solution with clean water.
Filling water containers
Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water. If the
tap water has been commercially treated from a water utility
with chlorine, you do not need to add anything else to the
water to keep it clean. If the water you are using comes
from a well or water source that is not treated with
chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household
chlorine bleach to the water. Tightly close the container
using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the
cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a
date on the outside of the container so that you know when
you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place. Replace the
water every six months if not using commercially bottled
water.
How can I plan for Food?
The following are things to consider when putting together
your food supplies:
Avoid foods that will make you thirsty. Choose salt-free
crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high
liquid content
Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not
require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation
Include special dietary needs
Just what is in a Basic Disaster Supplies Kit?
The following items are recommended for inclusion in your
basic disaster supplies kit:
Three-day supply of non-perishable food
Three-day supply of water
Portable, battery-powered radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit and manual
Sanitation and hygiene items
Matches and waterproof container
Whistle
Extra clothing
Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can
opener
Photocopies of credit and identification cards
Cash and coins
Special needs items—any everyday items that are necessary
for your day to day life
Items for infants
Other items to meet your unique family needs
If you live in a cold climate, you must think about warmth.
It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your
clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one
complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:
Jacket or coat
Long pants
Long sleeve shirt
Sturdy shoes
Hat, mittens and scarf
Sleeping bag or warm blanket per person
Be sure to account for growing children and other family
changes. You may want to add some items depending on the
specific needs of your family.
What about Maintaining My Disaster Supplies Kit?
Just as important as putting your supplies together is
maintaining them so they are safe to use when needed. Here
are some tips to keep your supplies ready and in good
condition:
Keep canned foods in a cool and dry place
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal
containers to extend its shelf life
Throw out any canned good that becomes swollen, dented or
corroded
Use foods before they go bad and replace them with fresh
supplies
Place new items at the back of the storage area and older
ones in the front
Change stored food and water supplies every six months. Be
sure to write the date you store it on all containers
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your
family needs change
Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire
disaster supplies kit in one or two containers, such as an
unused trashcan, camping backpack or duffel bag
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