During an emergency event, utilities and basic services could be interrupted for a while. Ward off a personal disaster by building an emergency kit to help sustain yourself and your loved ones for at least THREE days. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic
Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water: one gallon of water per person per day.
- Non-perishable food: Choose items that don’t require cooking or heating.
- Manual can opener: If your kit contains canned food, this is a must-have!
- Radio: A battery-operated radio or hand-crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts can keep you abreast of vital, breaking news when internet and phones are down.
- First aid kit
- Flashlights
- Batteries: for your flashlight, radio, and any other battery-powered equipment (e.g. hearing aids). Store them where you can easily find them.
- Whistle
- Dust mask: to help filter contaminated air
- Duct tape, scissors and plastic sheeting: to help isolate if you must shelter-in-place
- Personal sanitation items: Include items like moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, garbage bags with twist ties.
- Wrench or pliers: to turn off utilities. Make sure it is non-sparking!
- Local maps
- Cell phone charging supplies: charging cord and a backup battery, inverter, or solar charger.
Additional Items
Remember, a truly effective emergency kit is one that is tailored to your needs and household. Below are some additional items to consider adding to your kit, or for building out an additional kit. Consider your individual needs and build the kit(s) that work for you - build one for home, for your vehicle/travel, and one to keep at your workplace or school!
- Phone numbers /Emergency Contacts List: Keep a written or printed list of important phone numbers (e.g., hospital, doctor, relatives).
- Essential documents: Include copies of your ID, insurance policies, and bank records in a portable waterproof container or ziploc bag.
- Medical information: Include copies of your insurance cards and key medical information.
- Cash and change: In case banking services are impacted
- Prescription medications: Include any daily medications you take — don't forget to check the expiration dates!
- Eyeglasses and hearing aids
- Change of clothes: Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, spare socks and sturdy shoes. Think practical and comfortable!
- Personal hygiene items/toiletries: feminine supplies, hand sanitizer
- Blanket or sleeping bag: Include one for each person.
- External rechargeable battery pack: Use a battery to charge cellphones and other electronic devices.
- Coolers, ice chests and ice packs: Have a few in case of a lengthy outage.
- Pet supplies: Food, water, dishes, carrier, spare leash/collar, ID and photo, medications, toys, and copy of vaccination records for your pets.
- Special needs items: These include items for infants, older adults, and people with disabilities or other access and functional needs.
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