Build an Emergency Kit

Disaster can strike at any moment. Pastor Cameron Hedges shared this reference guide from http://www.ready.gov to help you be prepared in the event of an emergency.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for days or even a week. Being prepared means having food, water, and other supplies to last for five days to two weeks. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you plan for the basics, consider your family’s unique needs, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water (one gallon per person per day, for drinking and sanitation)

Food (at least a five day to two-week supply of non-perishable food)

Emergency contact list and phone numbers

Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and an NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

Flashlight

First aid kit

Extra batteries

Fire Extinguisher (small canister, ABC-type)

Work Gloves

Whistle (to signal for help)

Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

Moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties, and small bucket (for personal sanitation)

Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities), shovel, and other tools

Manual can opener (for food) and eating utensils

Household liquid beach (sanitation and water purification)

Local paper maps

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Small cooking stove and cooking fuel

Personal hygiene and grooming supplies (including soap, T.P, shampoo)

Be sure to rethink your family’s needs each year. Other items to consider include:

Masks, soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

Prescription and non-prescription medications

Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler’s checks

Extra house and car keys

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records, immunization records - saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate

Tent or another outdoor shelter

Matches in a waterproof container, compass, all-purpose knife, and camp cup

Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels, and plastic utensils

Seasonings, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and resealable plastic bags

Emergency Preparedness manual

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children (if you include electronic devices, you must have a way to recharge them).

FIRST AID KIT ITEMS

A well-stocked first-aid kit is a handy thing to have at your home and in your car. Carry a first aid kit with you or know where you can find one.

Make sure kits include personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest. Check the kit regularly for expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

All first aid kits should include the following:

2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)

25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)

1 hypoallergenic adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)

5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)

5 antiseptic wipe packets

2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)

1 emergency blanket

1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)

1 instant cold compress

2 pairs of medical-grade non-latex gloves (size: large)

2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)

3 gauze roll (roller) bandage (3 inches wide)

3 roller bandages (4 inches wide)

5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 4 inches)

5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)

Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)

3 triangular bandages

Scissors

Tweezers

Safety pins, assorted sizes

Thermometer

Emergency First Aid guide

Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

Antidiarrhea medication

Antacid (for stomach upset)

Allergy medication and, if necessary, epinephrine

Laxative

The Waitsburg Emergency Preparedness Committee urges residents to go to http://www.ready.gov for the full Emergency Kit guide.