How To Make an Emergency Supply Kit For Your Family

• Water—one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

• Food—at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Whistle to signal for help

• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape for sheltering in place

• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

• Manual can opener for food

• Local maps

• Cellphone with charger and inverter

You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one gallon of water daily just for drinking; however, individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate.

To determine your water needs when you make an emergency supply kit, take the following into account:

• Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water.
• A medical emergency might require additional water.
• During warm weather, more water may be necessary. In very hot temperatures, water needs can double.
• Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Purchased Water Supply

It is recommended you purchase commercially bottled water, in order to prepare the safest and most reliable emergency water supply. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by” date. Keep the water stored in a cool, dark place.

Water that has not been commercially bottled should be replaced every six months.

Preparing Your Own Containers of Water

It is recommended you purchase food-grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage.
Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water and rinse completely so there is no residual soap.
If you chose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles—not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars cannot be adequately removed from these containers, and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. Also, do not use glass containers, because they are heavy and breakable.

Water can also be treated with water purification tablets that can be purchased at most sporting goods stores.

• Two pairs of latex gloves, or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to latex
• Sterile dressings to stop bleeding
• Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Burn ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day, such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.
• Prescribed medical supplies, such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
Non-prescription drugs:
• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid
• Laxative
Other first aid supplies:
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

For Baby:
• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Moist towelettes
• Diaper rash ointment

For adults:

• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses

During cold weather, you must think about warmth. It is possible that you will not have heat. Think about your clothing and bedding supplies. Be sure to include one complete change of clothing and shoes per person, including:

• Jacket or coat
• Long pants
• Long-sleeved shirt

This kit should include…

• Jumper cables
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time
• Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; also canned fruit and a portable can opener
• Water for each person and pet in your car
• AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages
• Cat litter or sand for better tire traction
• Shovel
• Ice scraper
• Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes
• Blankets or sleeping bags
Also consider:
• A fully-charged cellphone and phone charger
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child