Introduction
A disaster supply kit is a container of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. It should be kept in an easily accessible place and be kept up-to-date.
Disasters can strike anywhere, at any time. Having a disaster supply kit prepared can help you weather the storm and get through tough times.
Your disaster supply kit should be tailored to meet your specific needs, but there are some essential items that everyone should include:
-Water: You should have at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water on hand for each person in your household.
-Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food is a must for your disaster supply kit. Include foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration, such as canned goods, dried fruit, peanut butter, and cereal bars.
–First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit is an important part of any disaster supply kit. Be sure to include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and any other items you or someone in your household may need during an emergency.
–Flashlight and Batteries: A flashlight can be a lifesaver during a power outage or other emergency situation. Be sure to include extra batteries as well.
-Multi-Purpose Tool: A multi-purpose tool can come in handy during many different types of emergencies. Look for one that includes a knife, pliers, and scissors.
-Manual Can Opener: If you include canned goods in your disaster supply kit, be sure to also include a manual can opener!
-Clothes and Bedding: Include at least one change of clothing and bedding per person in your household. Be sure to pack seasonally appropriate items as well.
-Money: Keep cash on hand in case ATMs are down or stores are closed during an emergency situation.
The Importance of a Disaster Supply Kit
A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.Disasters can include storms, power outages, earthquakes, and more. By having a disaster supply kit, you can be prepared for anything. This can help reduce the amount of stress you feel during an emergency and can make the situation more bearable.
Food and Water
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a disaster is to have a supply of food and water on hand. Experts recommend having at least three days’ worth of food and water, but depending on the nature of the disaster, you may need more. If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes or tornadoes, it is especially important to have a large supply of food and water on hand.
non-perishable food items that do not require cooking or refrigeration, such as canned goods, dried fruits and nuts, granola bars, etc.
water – at least one gallon per person, per day
manual can opener
paper plates and utensils
paper towels
first aid kit
medications (be sure to include any prescription medications)
hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, etc.
Shelter
One of the most important aspects of preparing for a disaster is having a plan for shelter. If you are forced to evacuate your home, you will need to know where you can go that is safe. You should also have a plan for what to do if you are stranded away from home and cannot return.
There are many different types of disasters that can occur, so it is important to have a plan that is specific to the type of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area. For example, if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, you will need to have a plan for what to do if you are evacuated from your home.
Your disaster supply kit should include enough supplies for you and your family to survive for at least 72 hours. The items in your kit should be appropriate for the type of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area.
Some of the items that should be included in your disaster supply kit are:
-Water: You should have at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days.
-Food: You should have non-perishable food that does not require cooking or refrigeration.
-Manual can opener: If you have packaged food, you will need a manual can opener.
-Battery operated radio: A battery operated radio will allow you to stay informed about the situation and get information about where to find shelter.
-First aid kit: A first aid kit will help you treat minor injuries.
-Flashlight: A flashlight can be used for light if there is no power or if power is rationed.
-Extra batteries: Extra batteries should be kept with the flashlight so that it can be used when needed.
Clothing and bedding
In addition to your food and water, you will need to have clothing and bedding in your disaster supply kit. Depending on the time of year and the area in which you live, you will need different items. Be sure to consider the needs of all family members, including infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities. You should have at least: -A change of clothes for each person, including shoes and a jacket -A sleeping bag or blankets for each person -A raincoat or poncho -A hat and gloves
First Aid
In assembling your Disaster Supply Kit, include a first-aid kit and necessary medication. You may want to consider having your first-aid professionally stocked. The American Red Cross offers affordable Home First Aid Kits complete with supplies to treat minor wounds and injuries.
include:
-antiseptic wipes
-bandages
-blanket
-cotton balls
-gauze
-gloves
-ice pack
-medicine
-scissors
-tape
-thermometer
For more information on building a first aid kit, visit: www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit
Tools and Supplies
A well-stocked disaster supply kit is one of the best ways to be prepared for an emergency. It should contain enough food, water, and supplies to last at least 72 hours. Here are some of the essential items that should be in your kit:
-Water: at least one gallon per person, per day
-Food: non-perishable food items that do not require cooking or refrigeration
-Manual can opener
-Battery-operated or hand-crank radio
-Flashlight and extra batteries
-First aid kit
-Prescription medications
–Sleeping bag or blanket for each person
-Change of clothes for each person, including sturdy shoes
Important Documents
In the event of an emergency, it is important to have all of your important documents in one place. This way, you can grab them quickly and get to safety.
Some of the documents you should include in your disaster supply kit are:
-Birth certificates
-Social security cards
-Driver’s licenses/IDs
-Passports
-Insurance policies
-Bank account information
Make sure to keep these documents in a waterproof and fireproof container. You may also want to make digital copies of these documents and store them on a flash drive or in the cloud.
Conclusion
A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
While the items included in a disaster supply kit can vary depending on the type of disaster and your personal needs, there are some essential items that should be included in every kit, such as food and water, first-aid supplies, tools and important documents.
Having a disaster supply kit on hand can help you and your family be prepared for an emergency, and it can give you peace of mind knowing that you have what you need to face whatever may come your way.