Disaster Supply Kit

Why a Disaster Supply Kit is Important!

You never know when disaster will strike.  It can happen anytime, anywhere.  That is why it is important to have an Emergency Disaster Supply Kit ready.  You may have to seek shelter and you may not be able to be rescued for a couple days.  You need to be prepared and have a supply kit ready to be used.  It is a great idea to have a Disaster Supply Kit at home and in your car.  Also while you are creating your kit do not forget about your family pets or any special needs that your family may require.  

Disaster Supply Kit for your Home

When creating a supply kit for your home there are a couple of important things that you should remember.

1) When you are gathering water and nonperishable food items you should have enough for each person to last three days.

2) Remember to check your kit for outdated products or products that are soon to be outdated. You can follow the same rule you use for your smoke detectors; Check your kit every time you change the clocks to ensure everything is current.  

Some items you should include in your Disaster Supply Kit for your Home are:

- Water (one gallon of water per person per day),

- Non perishable food ( granola bars, crackers, peanut butter, ready to eat canned fruits, vegetables, and meat, powdered milk, etc),

- Manual can opener,

- Battery-powered NOAA weather radio with extra batteries,

- Regular AM/FM battery operated radio with extra batteries,

- Sleeping bag or warm blanket (one for each person),

- First aid kit,

- Prescription medications/extra eyewear,

- Mess kits (paper plates, plastic cutlery, plastic cups, napkins, trash bags, moist towelettes, etc),

- Complete change of clothing for each person (include long sleeve shirts, pants, and boots),

- Baby Items if needed (diapers, formula, baby wipes),

- Toys/Games/Books (to help keep children occupied),

- Small denominations of cash, - Important family documents (birth certificates, insurance papers, deeds, lease agreements, etc.),

- a Whistle (so you can signal for help).

Disaster Supply Kit for your Vehicle

Severe weather can sneak up on you out of nowhere.  Don't be caught unprepared while you are on the road.  

Some items you should include in your Disaster Supply Kit for your vehicle are:

- Cell phone adapter,

- First aid kit,

- Fire extinguisher,

- Bottled water,

- Non-perishable food (granola bars, crackers, beef jerky, etc),

- Tire gauge,

- Jumper cables,

- Flashlight with extra batteries,

- Gloves/Hats/Blankets,

- Tow strap,

- Multi-purpose tool,

- Ice scraper/Snow brush,

- Folding shovel,

- Cat litter or sand (for traction),

- Rain poncho,

- Hand Sanitizer/Baby wipes/Moist towelettes/Disinfecting wipes,

- Hand/foot warmers,

- Light sticks,

-Maps,

-Bug repellent,

- Walking shoes,

- Whistle (to signal for help)

- Small denominations of cash.  

Don't forget your pets!

Your pets need to be taken care of in an emergency as well.  It is important to ensure that you have everything you may need to care for them.  Make sure your pet has a collar on with identification tags (if your pet won't wear one include this in your kit).  

Some items to include in your Disaster Supply Kit for your pets are:

- Medications,

- Immunization records,

- Pet food/water/food & water bowls,

- Litter box & cat litter,

- Manual can opener,

- Sturdy leashes or pet carriers (pet carriers need to be big enough for your pet to stand up in, turn around in, and lay down in),

- Towels or blankets,

- Current photo of you with your pet,

- A list of your feeding schedule, behavioral issues,

- The name of your veterinarian,

- Pet beds & toys.