It might be helpful to have a disaster kit in your home. Many insurance companies and humanitarian aid programs have put out list of what a disaster kit should include. Here is a sample list from FEMA:
-Water (One gallon per person per day for seven days)
- Food (Enough for your entire family for seven days)
- Manual can opener and other cooking supplies
- Plates and utensils & instructions
- First Aid kit
- A copy of important documents & phone numbers (in a waterproof container)
-Warm clothes and rain gear for each family member
- Heavy work gloves
- Unscented liquid household bleach and an eyedropper for water purification
- Personal hygiene items including toilet paper, feminine supplies, hand sanitizer and soap
- Plastic sheeting, duct tape and utility knife for covering broken windows
- Tools such as a crowbar, hammer & nails, staple gun, adjustable wrench and bungee cords.
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Large heavy duty plastic bags and a plastic bucket for waste and sanitation
- Any special-needs items for children, seniors, or people with disabilities. Don’t forget water and supplies for your pets.
A component of your disaster kit is your Go-bag. Put the following items together in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. Prepare one Go-bag for each family member and make sure each has an I.D. tag. You may not be at home when an emergency strikes so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety.
-Flashlight
-Radio – battery operated
-Batteries
-Whistle
-Dust mask
-Pocket knife
-Emergency cash in small denominations and quarters for phone calls
-Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a warm hat
-Local map
-Some water and food
-Permanent marker, paper and tape
-Photos of family members and pets for re-identification purposes
-List of emergency point-of -contact phone numbers
-List of allergies to any drug (especially antibiotics) or food
-Copy of health insurance and identification cards
-Extra prescription eye glasses, hearing aid or other vital personal items
-Prescription medications and first aid supplies
-Toothbrush and toothpaste
-Extra keys to your house and vehicle
-Any special-needs items for children, seniors, or people with disabilities. Don’t forget to make a Go-bag for your pets.
