You may need to survive on your own for several days after an emergency. To be prepared, you must have enough food, water, and other resources to last many days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of essential materials that your family may require in the event of a crisis. Here is the list of emergency supply kits that you should have kept in your kit.
- Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit: Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food, water, and supplies for your pet
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records in a portable waterproof container
- Cash and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items, and hand sanitizer
- Mess kits, Paper cups, plates, disposable utensils, paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children
Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit:
- Water and non-perishable food for several days
- Extra cell phone battery or charger
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio that can receive Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Survival first aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener (if kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
Having an emergency pack is a vital step in preparing and protecting your family in the case of a disaster. An emergency kit is necessary for short-term survival, as it contains important supplies for you, your family, or your household. Always store your equipment in a convenient location that everyone in the house knows about.