Emergency Preparedness Kit

When trouble strikes, it's helpful to have an emergency kit handy - something that's accessible to your entire family. Here are some things you may want to include in a waterproof container:

Food Items

  • Bottled water
  • Bread
  • Crackers
  • Cookies, snacks
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned meat, fish
  • Dried fruit
  • Canned/boxed beverages
  • Fruit drinks
  • Peanut butter

Non-Food Items

  • Plastic forks and cups
  • Napkins
  • Can opener (non-electric)
  • Batteries for flashlights and radio
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Charcoal
  • Water purifying tablets
  • Flashlights
  • Candles and matches
  • Clothing and bedding
  • Extra socks and underwear
  • Pillows
  • Sleeping bag and blankets
  • Washcloth and towel for each person
  • Soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Shaving kit
  • Contact lens solution
  • Hair care items and mirror
  • Dentures
  • Sanitary napkins and tampons
  • Paper towels, toilet paper
  • Hearing aid batteries
  • Watch or clock

First Aid Kit

Keep contents of first aid kit in a waterproof metal or plastic box.

  • Prescription medicines (four-week supply)
  • Bandages and Band-Aids
  • Antiseptic
  • Adhesive tape rolls
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen
  • Allergy medication
  • Insect repellent
  • First aid handbook
  • Scissors
  • Antibacterial soap
  • Safety pins
  • Thermometer
  • Needle (for splinters)

Items for Infants

  • Small toys – don’t forget favorite stuffed animals
  • Clothes
  • Diapers and baby wipes
  • Milk or formula
  • Powders, creams or ointments
  • Bottles and nipples
  • Baby food
  • Sheets, blankets, rubber pads
  • Portable crib
  • Plastic bags
  • Pacifiers

You should also store some basic hand tools such as a hammer, nails, screwdrivers, wrench and small hatchet. These could be useful if you need to make emergency repairs to your home later. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the emergency kit is kept.Disaster Kit

Develop an Emergency Plan, Too!

Most public safety experts strongly recommend that you develop an "emergency plan" and review it with your family. Children may be at school and adults at work when the storm hits. Have a plan for getting back together in a safe place that you've all agreed on. Ask an out-of-state relative to serve as a central family contact point. Post the written emergency plan in a place where your family knows to look, and don't forget to add an extra copy to your emergency kit.