In the event of an emergency or an evacuation, you and your family should always take an emergency kit with you. Emergency kits should be stored in containers that are easy to move, such as plastic bins or carry-on bags.
An emergency preparedness kit should have sufficient supplies for at least three days following an emergency. Kits should be checked periodically to ensure proper condition of the supplies. Check expiration dates every 6 months.
Recommended Emergency Preparedness Kit Items:
- Water: One Gallon per person per day
- Food: At least 3 days worth of non-perishable food
- Emergency Radio
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Whistle: To signal for help
- Garbage bags and plastic ties
- Duct Tape
- Manual can opener
- Important family documents: Insurance policies, ID, etc.
- Emergency Reference Material: First aid booklet, HSEM Preparedness Pamphlet
- Sleeping bags or warm blankets
- Extra clothing
- Fire Extinguisher
- Matches: In a waterproof container
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games or other activities
- First Aid Kit (see below)
Recommended First Aid Kit Items:
- Sterile gloves
- Sterile dressings/gauze
- Cleansing agent: antibiotic towelettes, alcohol swabs, etc.
- Antibiotic ointment
- Burn ointment
- Adhesive bandages
- Thermometer
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Pain reliever: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.
- Antacid, laxative, and anti-diarrhea medication
- Prescribed medicine and medical supplies: Insulin, heart medicine, blood glucose monitors, etc.
In Your Car
The next disaster may strike while you are in your car! Get in the habit of keeping your automobile gas tank filled. If there are interruptions in the supply of gasoline, it is less likely that you will be affected. Be ready by planning ahead and keeping emergency supplies in your car trunk. The following list provides ideas for more items to include. Consider additional supplies that may be necessary to meet your needs and those who often ride with you.
- Battery-powered radio: In case your car radio fails
- Flashlight, with extra batteries
- First aid kit and manual
- Blanket and extra clothes
- Booster cables: In case your battery fails
- Snack foods and bottled drinking water
- Fluorescent orange cloth to hang on your antenna and safety flares: These will indicate you need help
For more information how to build a proper Emergency Preparedness Kit, please see the HSEM Preparedness Pamphlet.
