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WHAT THE PUBLIC NEEDS TO BE AWARE OF!
What emergency supplies should I stock at home?
Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. And when disaster strikes,
you may not have much time to respond. A highway spill or hazardous
material could mean evacuation. A winter storm could confine your
family at home. An earthquake, flood, tornado, or any other disaster
could cut water, electricity, and telephones for days.
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on
the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could
get help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared
to cope with the emergency until help arrives?
Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it
strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies
Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search
for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your
family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
Prepare Your Kit
Review the checklist below. 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. These supplies are listed with an asterisk (*). There
are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first
aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies,
and special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need
during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container--suggested items
are marked with an asterisk(*).
Possible Containers Include- A large, covered trash container,
A camping backpack, A duffle bag.
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 two 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. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two
quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household
for food preparation/sanitation).*
Food
Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable 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, and vegetables
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. A
first aid kit* should include:
- Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
- Assorted sizes
of safety pins
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Latex gloves (2 pairs)
- Sunscreen
- 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
- Triangular bandages (3)
- Non-prescription drugs
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
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- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Needle
- Moistened towelettes
- Antiseptic
- Thermometer
- Tongue blades (2)
- Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
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Non-Prescription Drugs
- Aspirin or non aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid (for stomach upset)
- Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by
the Poison Control Center)
- Laxative
- Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control
Center)
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Tools and Supplies
- Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
- Emergency preparedness manual*
- Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
- Flashlight and extra batteries*
- Cash or traveler's checks, change*
- Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
- Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
- Tube tent
- Pliers
- Tape
- Compass
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Aluminum foil
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- Plastic storage containers
- Signal flare
- Paper, pencil
- Needles, thread
- Medicine dropper
- Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
- Whistle
- Plastic sheeting
- Map of the area (for locating shelters)
- Battery operated radio
- Battery operated NOAA weather radio
- Extra batteries
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Sanitation
- Toilet paper, towelettes*
- Soap, liquid detergent*
- Feminine supplies*
- Personal hygiene items*
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- Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation
uses)
- Plastic bucket with tight lid
- Disinfectant
- Household chlorine bleach
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Clothing and Bedding
- *Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear
per person.
- Sturdy shoes or work boots*
- Rain gear*
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- Blankets or sleeping bags*
- Hat and gloves
- Thermal underwear
- Sunglasses
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Special Items
Remember family members with special
requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
For Baby*
- Formula
- Diapers
- Bottles
- Powdered milk
- Medications
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For Adults*
- Heart and high blood pressure medication
- Insulin
- Prescription drugs
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- Denture needs
- Contact lenses and supplies
- Extra eye glasses
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Entertainment
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
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card account numbers and companies
- Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone
numbers
- Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
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Store your kit in a convenient place known to
all family members. Keep a smaller version
of the Disaster
Supplies
Kit in the
trunk of your car. Keep items in airtight
plastic bags. Change your stored
water supply every six months so it stays
fresh. Replace your stored food every six months.
Re-think your kit
and family
needs at least
once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes,
etc. Ask your physician or pharmacist about
storing prescription
medications.
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