Do you have an Emergency Disaster Kit?
In an emergency, it’s important to have the right supplies on hand. That’s why authorities recommend that everyone prepare an emergency preparedness kit and keep it in an easily accessible place. Emergency kits should include personal, useful and essential items; enough to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.
Remember that in an emergency, responders won’t be able to reach everyone immediately. Help could come in hours, or possibly days, so your emergency supply kit should include items to help you manage during that time.
Some essential items to include:
- Three or more gallons of water and at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- A flashlight, first-aid kit, can opener, batteries and a fire extinguisher
- Regular radio and weather radio
- Dust mask
- Tools such as wrenches and pliers
- Local map
- Cash
- Clothes and sturdy shoes
- Sleeping bags and/or blankets
- Cellphone charger
Personal items include:
- Sanitation items such as paper towels, garbage bags and moist toilettes
- Medical equipment and prescriptions
- Infant essentials such as formula, diapers and bottles
- Pet items such as foods and leashes
- Hygiene items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste
- Personal documents such as driver’s license (ID) and passport
Be sure to update supplies, especially food that can expire or spoil, every six months or after every use. For more information about how to prepare for emergencies visit https://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/plan/index.asp.
