To prepare for the unknown, each home should have a 72-hour Disaster Survival Kit. You will
need to pack some essential items to help you and your family survive, whether you stay at
home or leave it during a disaster. Ensure at least three days (72 hours) supply for each person. Do not forget
pets where applicable!
The following is a minimum suggested list of Survival Kit supplies:
Drinking Water:
? One gallon per person/per day in unbreakable containers, Avoid using
containers that will decompose or break,l such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally
active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and
intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people
will need more. ? Don’t forget to add additional water for mixing formula if you have children and for your pets.
Rotate the drinking water each year.
Food preparation and sanitation require another two quarts (minimum) per person daily.
Purchased bottled water that has been sealed is best for storage. It meets FDA guidelines for
food and is not as vulnerable to temperature changes as unsealed water
? Tip: Purchase water this year and use it for drinking next year. This allows for rotation on
an annual basis and keeps the water fresh. Yes water can go bad!
Water for sanitation use:
? Store extra containers of water to be used for flushing toilets, cleaning, and bathing.
? Purchase water purification tablets (Halazone) to be used if you still have running water but
are told to boil water before using it. This allows you to fill the bathtub and other containers
without purchasing expensive drinking water.
? Tip: Keep plastic containers (milk jugs and other containers) and fill them with water when a
storm threatens. You can put these items in the freezer to keep food cold longer in the event
that the electricity goes out.
Non-perishable Food:
? Maintain at least 3-7 days of food for each member of the family.
? Small, preferably single serving cans (should not require cooking or
refrigeration). Dried fruit, peanut butter and jelly, coffee, tea, soft drinks and pet foods.
? Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables. ? Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered, store extra water).
? Staples – sugar, salt, pepper in water proof containers. ? High energy foods like crackers, granola bars, trail mix.
? Raw vegetables that do not need refrigeration. ? Fresh bread.
• Comfort/stress foods – cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals, lollipops, instant coffee, tea
bags.
• Sterno for cooking.
• Vitamins
• Food for infants
? Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
? Non-electric can opener
? Aluminum foil
? Plastic storage containers
? Lots of ice (you can freeze your water supply)
? Pedialyte (to restore hydration if needed)
? Tip: Purchase only items that you like to eat and would eat even without a storm. Rotate
these items by using them Dec-May each year and purchasing new items Jan-May. This
allows you to reduce the cost of buying items for a hurricane kit at one time and keeps the
items fresh. Yes even canned goods have a shelf life!
Baby Needs:
? Special foods (enough for several days)
? Formula (enough for several days)
? Extra diapers
? Medicines (get a copy of prescription)
? Blankets
? Diaper Rash Ointment
? Baby Wipes
? Powder
? Bottles
? Pacifier
? Favorite toy/blanket
? Medicine dropper
? Diaper-rash ointment
Sanitation
? Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, baby wipes, liquid hand
sanitzer
• Liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo etc.)
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Household chlorine bleach, disinfectant
• Plenty of absorbent towels
First Aid Kit
• Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
• Adhesive bandages various sizes -- Sterile gauze pads (various sizes)
• Germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Non-latex gloves -- Adhesive tape -- Anti-bacterial ointment -- Antiseptic spray
• Cold packs (non refrigerated type) – Scissors – Tweezers -- Rubbing alcohol
• CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield -- Thermometer, Safety pins.
Non-Prescription Drugs
• Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever, Benadryl, peroxide
• Anti-diarrhea medication, Antacid (for stomach upset)
• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Laxative
• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Prescription Drugs
• Heart and high blood pressure medication
• Insulin (enough for a 30 day supply)
• Hearing Aid and extra batteries
• Prescription drugs
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Extra eye glasses
• Tip: If your insurance will allow, get a 90 day supply of prescriptions and have at least a 30 day supply on hand.
Clothing and Bedding
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Towels
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Hat and gloves
• Sunglasses
• Tent
• Lawn chairs
Entertainment
• Games
• Books
• Cards
• Extra batteries for games, Coloring books, crayons.
Miscellaneous
• Wind-up or battery-operated clock
• Paper, pencil
• Needles, thread
• Camping utensils
• Map of the area (for locating shelters) and returning to the area.
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Tip: Have enough cash to sustain you through a 2 week period. Without electricity, most
businesses (if open) will not accept credit cards and may not accept traveler’s checks.
• Emergency preparedness manual
• Citronella candles
Tools and Supplies:
Masking and/or duct tape
Handsaw Razor knife Ax or chain saw
Nails and screws Ladder Portable generator Wheelbarrow
Bucket/mop, broom Fire extinguisher Hammer Screwdriver
Pliers/wrenches Rope caulk All purpose cleaner Sandbags
Shovel, rake Plywood Plastic sheet/drop cloth Bleach
Tarps to cover roof Portable a/c unit BBQ grill Extra filled propane tanks
Utility knife Fire extinguisher: small
canister ABC type
Compass Tape, duct tape
Signal flare Battery operated radio
with extra batteries
Bug repellant Sun screen
(2-3) Flashlights with extra batteries and bulbs
Matches in a waterproof
container
Shut-off wrench to
turn off household
gas and water
Whistle
Not evacuating and staying home?
? Ensure you have enough food, water, medications, and other supplies in your survival kit
to last at least 2 weeks.
? Turn refrigerator to coldest setting and keep closed.
? Turn off propane tanks.
? Unplug small appliances.
? Fill bathtub and other containers with water for cleaning and flushing. Additional water is
stored for drinking.
? Cover all windows and other openings with hardened protections. If you do not have
manufactured shutters, cut plywood and secure to protect the windows.
? Close all interior doors and brace outer doors.
? Select an interior room to use as a safe room.
? Plan as though you were evacuating and have enough cash on hand to sustain purchasing
of gas, food, and other supplies in the days following the storm.
? If you have a generator, ensure you have enough gas on hand to sustain usage for
several days.
? Ensure you have sufficient medications in case you are confined to your home for several
days. Post-storm there may not be any electricity and pharmacies will probably closed
even with a minor storm.
? Plan to cook on a camp stove or grill in the days immediately after the storm
passes.
