Keep this kit at home; it can be ready for either evacuation or for use while you’re confined to your home in the event of an emergency. The American Red Cross and other professionals recommend you include the following:
- Water – Keep one gallon of water per person (and per pet) per day for at least three days. Make sure you replace the water every six months.
- Food - Keep at least a 3-day stock of non-perishable food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration in a safe place. Include a manual can opener and eating utensils.
Food suggestions are as follows: - Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
- High energy foods – peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix
- Foods for infants, elderly persons or persons on special diets
- Staples – sugar, salt, pepper
- Baby formula, food, bottles
- Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water)
- Vitamins
- Pet food
- Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, instant coffee, tea bags
- Portable radio and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit – Assemble multiple first aid kits, one for your home and one for each car. The American Red Cross recommends that your first aid kit contain:
- Sterile adhesives bandages – various sizes
- Antiseptic
- 2 and 4 inch sterile gauze pads (4 – 6)
- Thermometer
- Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
- Tongue blades (2)
- Triangular bandages (3)
- Petroleum jelly
- 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Safety pins in various sizes
- 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
- Cleansing agent/soap
- Scissors
- Latex gloves (2 pair)
- Tweezers
- Sunscreen
- Needle
- Moistened towelettes
- Non-prescription drugs
- Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
- Anti-diarrhea medication
- Antacid
- Laxative
- Syrup of Ipecac
- Activated charcoal
You can either assemble your own first aid kit or buy it pre-assembled.
Medical equipment and assistive devices – these items include glasses, hearing aids, catheters, augmentative communication devices, canes, and walkers. Label each item with your name and contact information. Also, include instructions as to how to operate your assistive device.
These items should be kept in a convenient, consistent place so you can quickly locate them in an emergency. Tape a note to your supplies kit that will serve as a reminder to take the applicable device with you if you’re evacuated. Also, at night, if you sleep with any of these devices near you, put them in a container that’s easy to reach if you have to leave immediately.
Bedding and clothing – Include a sleeping bag or blanket for each person and pet. Also, include at least one change of clothing per person as well as sturdy shoes, rain gear, hat and gloves, and thermal underwear if you reside in a cold climate.
Personal hygiene items – In addition to your personal hygiene products, you should also include toilet paper, soap, and feminine supplies. Don’t forget diapers if you have an infant and plastic garbage bags to use to dispose the diapers.
Cash and coins
Paper products – These include paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, paper and pen, as well as books, games or other activities for children.
Other Special Items
In addition to the above, you need to include items for family members with special needs. People with disabilities will need to consider including the items listed below in either their Emergency Supplies Kit #1 or #2 or both. Don’t forget, you should have Kit #1 with you at all times. This information is recommended by the National Organization on Disability (NOD).
Mobility Disabilities - According to the NOD, mobility disabilities refer to people with little or no use of their arms or legs. They usually use wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes and other devices as aids to help them remain mobile. If you have a mobility disability, you should consider including the following items in your supplies kit:
- Heavy gloves to use while wheeling.
- Extra battery for motorized wheelchair or scooter.
- Recharging device to be connected to an automobile cigarette lighter.
- Repair kit to fix flat tires.
- Spare cane or walker.
Sensory disabilities
Sensory disabilities refer to people with hearing or visual limitations. If you have a sensory disability, you should consider including the following additional items in your kit:
- Pad of paper with pens or pencils for writing notes.
- Extra batteries for tape recorders, TTYs, etc.
- Extra pair of dark glasses.
- Folding mobility cane.
Developmental or Cognitive Disabilities
Developmental or cognitive disabilities refer to people with significant brain disorders or severe developmental disabilities that need assistance with every facet of daily living. If you have a developmental or cognitive disability, consider including the following:
- Alternative power source or spare batteries for a communication device
- Paper and writing materials
- Favorite items to help you maintain focus while waiting in lines
Service animals and other pets. Last but not least, don’t forget supplies for your service animal and other pets. Try to pack these items in a bag that can be strapped to your animal. The Red Cross has suggested the following items:
- Bowl for water and food. Remember you should have at least a three day supply of water and food, not only for yourself, but for your much-loved animal.
- Blanket for bedding
- Plastic bags and paper towels for disposing of feces
- Neosporin ointment for minor wounds
- Favorite toy
- Extra harness
- Identification tags and proof of up-to-date vaccinations and veterinarian contact
Also, make sure you identify local hotels that allow animals, various animal shelters, and/or friends who will be able to take your pet if the evacuation shelter does not allow them. The ADA requires emergency evacuation shelters to allow service animals, but this does not include your family pet. As a result, make alternative plans ahead of time.
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