Build a family disaster kit

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Build a family disaster kit

Posted Wednesday, September 10, 2008

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Following are lists of disaster preparedness items to collect well before a disaster, to help you plan for your family’s safety and comfort.

Essentials:

* Battery-operated radio
* Flashlight
* Extra Batteries
* First Aid Kit (one for your home and one for each car)

Do not include candles. Candles cause more fires after a disaster than anything else.

Water:

* 3 gallons per person, minimum, in a food-grade, plastic container
* Additional water for sanitation

Food:

* Minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration or preparation and little or no water
* Dry cereal
* Peanut butter
* Canned fruits
* Canned vegetables
* Canned Juice
* Ready-to-eat canned meats
* Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated)
* Quick energy snacks, graham crackers

Sanitation:

* Disinfectant
* Household chlorine bleach
* Soap, liquid detergent
* Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
* Personal hygiene items
* Cloth towels (at least 3)
* Feminine supplies
* Plastic bucket with tight lid
* Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation use)

Clothing and bedding

* Sunglasses
* Rain gear
* Sturdy shoes or work boots
* Blankets or sleeping bags
* Complete change of clothing and footwear per person

Tools and supplies:

* Whistle
* Aluminum Foil
* Crowbar
* Compass
* Paper, Pencil
* Plastic sheeting
* Medicine dropper
* Needles, thread
* Signal Flare
* Matches in a waterproof container
* Assorted nails, wood screws
* Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
* Plastic storage containers
* Heavy cotton or hemp rope
* Cash, traveler’s checks, change
* Map of the area
* Non-electric can opener, utility knife
* Charged cell phone battery
* Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
* Tape, duct tape and plumber’s tape or strap iron
* Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires
* Shut off wrench, to turn off household gas and water

For baby:

* Formula
* Diapers
* Bottles
* Medication
* Powdered milk
* Baby food

For pets:

* Food, water
* Non-tippable food and water containers
* Leash, harness or carrier
* Records of vaccinations
* Pet Medications

Important documents:

* Important telephone numbers
* Record of bank account numbers
* Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
* Inventory of household valuables
* Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stock and bonds
* Records of credit card account numbers and companies
* Copy of passport, social security cards, and immunization records