Gather the Supplies to Meet the Needs of Your Family.
One of the first steps toward preparedness is the creation of a family disaster supply kit. This will help families get through the first few days after a disaster. Public shelter after a disaster may not offer some of the basic necessities. The development of a kit will make a stay in a public shelter more comfortable, should it be necessary. Store the kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep and store loose items in airtight bags or containers. Inventory, replenish and update the disaster supply kit at least twice a year.
You will need the kit’s supplies if you are confined to your home. They also are valuable if you evacuate to a place other than a well-stocked shelter, or if you’re unsure of the shelter’s supplies.
A basic disaster supply kit must include a collection of these six essential items:
1. Water
Water is the most important item to store. Loss of safe drinking water can be deadly. Most people, with few exceptions, will be feeling the effects if they do without water for more than 36 hours. Dehydration occurs much quicker than starvation. Our bodies can tolerate the loss of food much better. With an ample water supply, starvation is delayed many days, even weeks.
A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water daily. Heat and intense activity can double this amount. Children, nursing mothers, and those with special needs may require more.
- Store water in clean plastic containers such as thoroughly washed and rinsed soft drink bottles with tight fitting screw-on caps.
- Store 1 gallon per day per family member (2 quarts for drinking, 2 quarts for food preparation & sanitation). Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more
- At least a 3-day supply of water should be stored for every family member.
2. Food
Choose compact, lightweight foods that do not require refrigeration, cooking or preparation, and foods that use little or no water.
Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods …
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