BE READY!

Some disasters strike without any warning.

Have you? Thought about those supplies you’ll need the most? They will usually be the hardest to come by. Enlist your children to help gather supplies for your family’s emergency kit. It’ll bring you a sense of relief, and your kids a feeling of empowerment. Make sure you have enough supplies to last for at least

three days. Think about where you live and your needs. Consider having a large kit at home, and smaller portable kit in the car or your workplace.

If a big storm is coming…

• Fill your car with gas
• Fill plastic bags with water and place them in the freezer
• Get extra cash out of the bank
• Fill prescriptions

Emergency Supplies List

• 3-day supply of non-perishable food (dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc.)
• Can opener
• Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Water – at least a gallon per person, per day for drinking and hygiene

First aid kit

• Prescription medication and glasses
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for everyone in your family
• Change of clothes to last for at least 3 days, including sturdy shoes; consider the weather where you live
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and other personal items
• Feminine hygiene supplies
• Fire extinguisher
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Dust mask, and plastic sheeting and duct tape, to help filter contaminated air
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio and extra
• batteries
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Cell phone with charger, extra battery and solar charger
• Whistle to signal for help
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper (when diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.)
• Local maps
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Emergency reference material such as first aid book or information from ready.gov
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, ID, and bank records in a waterproof, portable container
• Pet supplies
• Infant formula and diapers
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games or puzzles (let your kids pick these out themselves!)
• Your child’s favorite stuffed animal or security blanket
• Pet food and extra water for your pet

Don’t forget to think about infants, elderly, pets, or any family members with special needs!