Emergency Management - Family Preparedness

Water

Storing water is one of the most important things you can do for a disaster. Use the following guidelines:

Store water in plastic containers - Plastic soft drink bottles are good. Don't use milk cartons or glass bottles.
You should have a three-day supply of water.
You will need at least one gallon of water for each person in your house for each day.
Don't forget extra water for your pets.

Stored water needs to be treated to make sure it will be safe to drink when you need it. You can do this by adding four drops of bleach per quart of water. The liquid bleach should have 5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite and NO SOAP!

Food

You will need a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Non-perishable means food that can stay good for a long time without needing to be in the refrigerator. It is also good if the food doesn’t need to be cooked. Here are some suggestions:

Ready-to-eat canned meats
Peanut butter and crackers
Fruits and vegetables
Breakfast bars
Instant coffee and tea
Cookies, and trail mix
Canned juice, milk
Soup
Special food for babies or older people

The food should be kept dry and cool. Items such as cookies and crackers should be put in plastic bags.

First Aid

Listed below are some of the items that should be included in your First Aid kit:

Band Aids
Sterile gauze pads
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
Scissors
Antacid
Aspirin or other pain reliever
Petroleum jelly
Thermometer
Anti-diarrhea medicine
Soap
Sunscreen
Moistened towellettes

Tools and Supplies

Listed below are some of the tools and supplies that you may want to include in your disaster supply kit. Keep in mind that you may have to leave your home and you would need a convienent methon to take these items with you.

Battery-operated radio
Extra batteries
Flashlight
Toilet paper
Pliers
Compass
Tape
Non-electric can opener
Utility knife (like a Swiss Army knife)
Plates and cups made of paper or plastic
Matches in a waterproof container
Fire extinguisher (ABC type)
Plastic garbage bags
Shut-off wrench to turn off the gas and water to your house

Clothing and Bedding

Everyone in your house should have a complete change of clothes and a pair of sturdy shoes or boots stored in the disaster kit. You should also have rain gear, thermal underwear and blankets or sleeping bags.