Family Disaster Kit

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).
  1. First Aid Kit
  2. Food
  3. Sanitation
  4. Special Items
  5. Tools & Supplies

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.

Helpful Documents