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Basic Disaster Supplies

Water:
Several smaller packets are better than one large container.
Ordinary plastic bottles should be drunk and replaced every six months.
Special aseptic packaging lasts up to five years.

Food:
Select food you like (that doesn’t incite thirst): you may have to eat it someday! Note the shelf-life of the food you select; eat it and replace it before it expires. Choose food that will not require cooking, when possible.

First-aid kit:
First-aid kits come in a wide variety of sized and prices. Choose what is right for you, considering how many people it should serve, your and their medical needs, and where you are keeping the kit. Essential medications/ eyeglasses/ hearing aids. Store an emergency supply of medication in your go-kit.
Medications such as some insulin's should be kept in refrigeration until needed.
Keep a spare pair of glasses or a hearing aid in your kit, along with a prescription.

AM/FM radio (with extra batteries):
Radios are available that use batteries, solar power, or a dynamo (hand crank). Some have two or three of these options, as well as a power cord. Small, battery-powered radios are generally the least expensive.

Mylar blankets (space blanket):
Mylar blankets are fairly inexpensive, effective at retaining warmth, and very compact and lightweight. They are ideal for disaster supplies.

Flashlight (with extra batteries):
In addition to helping you see, flashlights help you be seen. Flashlights make a useful signaling tool over distances for the hearing impaired. Consider using one flash for “yes”, two for “no”, three for “SOS”. Like radios, flashlights are available that need no batteries, generating power as you squeeze the handle. These models naturally cost more, and are only useful for someone with moderate hand strength. Under some circumstances, electrical devices, including flashlights, can pose a fire danger if there is flammable gas in the surrounding air. Most flashlights are not sealed against this possibility. If you live or work in an environment where such a gas leak is a potential danger, consider buying an MSHA-approved light.

Clothes:
Several light layers are better than heavy or bulky items.

Whistle:
Use a solid, metal or strong plastic whistle. Like flashlights, whistles can make excellent signaling devices. If you need to call for help, a whistle will carry further and last much longer than your voice.

Comfortable/sturdy shoes:
Use comfortable shoes you have already worn, with good treads and waterproofing.

Duct tape & Garbage bags (plastic bags):
Garbage bags and duct tape, used together, can solve a surprising number of problems. Some examples of their many uses:

· Emergency rain gear or waterproofing - even clothes · Privacy screens · Toilets and sanitation when plumbing doesn’t work · Diapers ( with some cloth) · Seal cracks in doors and windows against weather or toxins · carry water · floatation aids · carrier for valuables

Tissues/Toilet paper:
Store in a see-through sealable sandwich bag to protect from moisture and dirt. Deck of cards, book or something to help pass time Face masks/dust mask/Bandana or cloth to cover your mouth and nose.
If you need to protect yourself from airborne particles, make sure to wet the cloth you use.

Pocketknife/ Scissors:
Pocketknives and scissors are very useful tools, and like all sharp objects, should be used with care. Ensure that children and people with reduced dexterity have proper supervision or support.

Copies of important papers:
ID, credit cards, insurance policies, etc. Store in a see-through sealable sandwich bag. To protect yourself against theft, use a simple code on any of your important numbers (such as bank account, credit card, or insurance policy numbers). Something easy for you to remember, such as adding one to every digit, will make it very hard for a thief to get your information.

Cash and coins:
Money for general use - ATMs need electricity - and coins for payphones.

Paper and Pens:
Document actions, leave notes, and communicate.

A Disaster Preparedness and Supplies Timeline

This is a suggested timeline to encourage you to take the proactive preparedness steps that will help ensure you have a safer home or workplace and at least three to seven days worth of disaster supplies in your emergency go-kit.

January

General Inventory/Warmth and Lighting

Take inventory of your disaster supplies. Make a list of important phone numbers - useful numbers and your loved ones. Gather supplies to provide warmth and light, like clothes, blankets, light sticks and flashlights.

February

First Aid and Medications

Assemble a first aid kit appropriate for your household Make copies of your prescriptions, and get an extra week’s supply. Get First Aid and CPR training.

March

Hygiene and Comfort

Assemble a hygiene kit with toiletries and sanitary items Put some items for entertainment in your kit - playing cards are good. Revisit your emergency contacts list and evacuation plan - update them as needed.

April

Rotate/Change Out Supplies

Check/change the batteries in your smoke detectors, flashlights and alarms. Check your fire extinguisher. Rotate out six-month-old food and water - use it and replace it.

May

Clean Out The Clutter

Clean out hazardous materials in garage and around house. Restock your tool box (hammer, wrench, tape, etc.) discard old or useless items. Make sure gas, water and electricity shutoffs are accessible and clearly labeled.

June

Summer Camping And Emergency Reserves

Store appropriate camping supplies to be available in emergencies. Use canned and dried food for camping if it will expire soon. Store extra reserves of food and supplies.

July

Your Friends and Neighbors

Create a neighborhood map and mark resources such as payphones and clinics. Meet your neighbors and make and share a list of their contact information. Set up or join a neighborhood safety/watch group; plan a neighborhood event.

August

Back-to-School and Reducing Hazards

Learn your children’s schools’ disaster plans. Check your home and work for hazards and child/elder safety. Make a list of priorities for reducing hazards - give yourself due dates. Store old shoes under your bed - upside down - in case of earthquake.

September

Shelter In Place

Practice basic Shelter-in-Place skills: Shelter, Shut and Listen. Gather S-I-P supplies such as water, duct tape, and old sheets and towels. Learn your emergency radio station and pre-set your radio to it. Choose a room in your home and office for sheltering.

October

Pet Safety/Rotate Supplies

Obtain an identification color-tag or microchip for your pet. Include pet-specific disaster supplies in your kit, such as food, water and medication. Rotate out six-month-old water - drink it and replace it. Check your smoke detectors and fire extinguishers as in April.

November

Insurance and Possessions

Videotape or photograph your home and possessions for insurance. Identify the things in your home that you most want to protect - make sure they’re safe. Photocopy important documents and store them away from your home.

December

Give Something Back

Trade out canned goods and give to your favorite charity. Help your loved ones to prepare their own disaster go-kits. Check in on elderly or disabled neighbors

Important information for putting out fires

Most fires start out small and by using the correct fire extinguisher on a fire, you as a private citizen can put out most small fires and reduce extensive damages. Using the wrong coded fire extinguisher could actually increase or spread a fire instead of extinguishing it.

Prolong the life of your Flashlight Batteries

Do your flashlight battery always seem to be dead or corroded when you need to use your flashlight?  If so, reverse the top battery on your flashlight while storing them.  They will never corrode or turn on accidentally and ware down.  When you need to use your flashlight, simply open up your flashlight up and reverse the top battery so your flashlight will make the connection it needs to work.