Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. When disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond. Some disasters may call for you and your family to evacuate (hurricanes, hazardous materials spills, fires). Other disasters could mean that you and your family may be confined at home. Preparing a Family Disaster Kit can help your family endure an evacuation or home confinement.
When Disaster Strikes
Authorities and relief workers will respond but 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
Prepare Your Kit
Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your family is confined at home or during an evacuation.
Place the items you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container.
There are basic items you should stock for your home:
Bedding
Clothing
First aid supplies
Food
Tools and emergency supplies
Water
Special items (prescription and non-prescription medications, sanitary items, important documents).
A well stocked first aid kit should include the following items:
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
2 and 4-inch sterile gauze pads
2 and 3-inch sterile roller bandages
Triangular bandages, assorted safety pins
Moistened towelettes, antiseptic
Non-prescription drugs:
Anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting) and activated charcoal (only use if advised by the Poison Control Center, 800-POISON-1)
Latex gloves
Scissors, tweezers, needle
Sunscreen
Thermometer
Tongue blades
Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Remember to store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version on the Disaster Preparedness Kit in the trunk of your car. Change stored water and food every six months.
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
Pack the following foods which can also be taken with you during an evacuation:
Canned juices, high energy foods, vitamins, baby formula and bottles, and powdered milk
Prescription medications: store in waterproof container, keep prescription records (check shelf life) accessible and current. Bring a medicine dropper and cooler (if needed for prescription)
