Water

Store water in plastic containers. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink approximately 2 quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and elderly people will need more. Store one gallon of water per person per day (2 quarts for drinking and 2 quarts for food preparation and sanitation). Keep at least a 3 day supply of water for each person in your household. 

Food

Store at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or not water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno (found in most camping stores). Select food items that are compact and lightweight.

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
• Canned juices, milk, soup (if powdered store extra water)
• Staples such as sugar, salt and pepper
• High energy foods like peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix
• Vitamins
• Food for infants, elderly persons or persons with special diet requirements
• Comfort and stress relieving foods such as cookies, candy, sweet cereal, lollipops and coffee or tea

First Aid Kit Supplies

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car. Below is a short list of essential first aid supplies to include in your first aid kits. SafetyKitsPlus offers a wide variety of safety and disaster kits for the home, car or office. Shop for Safety Kits

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
• Triangle bandages (3)
• 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Scissors, tweezers, needle, safety pins
• Moistened towelettes
• Antiseptic
• Thermometer
• Petroleum jelly, cleansing soap, sunscreen
• Latex gloves (2 pair)
• Variety of non-prescription medicine such as aspirin and antacid

Tools and Supplies

• Mess kits (found in most surplus stores) or paper plates, cups and plastic utensils
• Emergency preparedness manual
• Battery operated radio and flashlight and extra batteries for both
• Cash or travelers checks and change
• Non-electric can opener and utility knife
• Fire extinguisher (small canister, ABC type)
• Tube tent
• Pliers, tape, compass, matches in a waterproof container
• Aluminum foil, plastic storage containers, plastic garbage bags and ties
• Signal flare, whistle, paper, pencil
• Needles and thread
• Toilet paper, towelettes, soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies, personal hygiene items
• Plastic bucket with tight lid

Clothing and Bedding

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Rain gear
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Hats and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Sunglasses

Special Items

Be  thoughtful of family members with special needs such as infants and the elderly or disabled. Also it is a good idea to think of family favorites to help ease any stress.

•  Formula
• Diapers, bottles, sippy cups
• Powdered milk
• Medications
• Extra eye glasses or contact lenses and supplies
• Entertainment - board games, books, crosswords
• Important family documents - copies of anything pertinent in a portable waterproof container

Follow the suggestions above to meet your families needs and you are well on your way to safety preparedness. Always store your home safety kits in a convenient place known to all family members. Be sure to make babysitters or adults caring for your children aware of the kit and its location as well. Change your stored food and water supplies every 6 months to keep them fresh. Re-think your safety kits and family needs at least once a year and adjust as necessary. Take this opportunity to replace first aid items, batteries, clothes or any other items needing control. Also, outfit all of your family or business vehicles with Auto Safety Kits in order to be prepared for disasters and emergencies while traveling.