Introduction
A disaster, whether it is a natural or man-made event, can strike at any time. It is important to be prepared ahead of time so that you and your family can survive for at least 72 hours. This guide will help you understand what supplies you need to have on hand in case of an emergency.
In the event of a disaster, you may not have access to running water, electricity, or gas. This means that you will need to have enough supplies on hand to meet your basic needs for at least 72 hours. Here is a list of supplies that you should have on hand:
-Water: You will need at least one gallon of water per person, per day. Ensure that you have enough water for everyone in your family, including pets.
-Food: Non-perishable food items that do not require cooking or refrigeration.
-Manual can opener
–Flashlight and batteries
–First aid kit
-Radio: A battery-operated or hand-crank radio will allow you to stay informed about the latest emergency information.
-Cell phone and charger
-Cash: In the event that ATM machines are not working, it is important to have cash on hand.
The Basics of Being Prepared
When it comes to being prepared for a disaster, there are some basics that you should always have on hand. Water, food, and shelter are always going to be top priorities, but there are other things that you should have as well. Check out this list of disaster supplies that you should have on hand at all times.
Food and Water
One of the most basic things you need for survival is food and water. During a disaster, fresh water may not be available and food supplies may be limited, so it’s important to have at least a 72-hour supply on hand.
-At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food.
-A manual can opener for non-perishable food.
-At least a 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person, per day).
-A map of the area.
Shelter
Your first priority is finding a safe place to protect yourself and your family from the storm. If you are under a mandatory evacuation order, leave immediately. If you are not under an evacuation order, plan to stay home and hunker down.
The best option is an interior room on the lowest level of your home or business. Avoid windows if possible. If you have no other options and must evacuate to a high-rise building, choose a stairwell in the center of the building away from windows.
If you live in a mobile home or other structure that is not secure, plan to evacuate to a shelter or a friend’s or relative’s home before the storm hits.
If you are caught outside during the storm, find a low-lying area away from trees, fences, and power lines if possible. Crouch down low to the ground and cover your head with your hands until the storm passes.
Clothing and Bedding
One of the most important things you can do to be prepared for a disaster is to have enough clothing and bedding to keep yourself and your family warm and dry. If you live in an area that is subject to severe weather, make sure you have extra blankets, hats, gloves, and boots on hand. If you live in a coastal area, make sure you have extra clothing that can protect you from the sun and salt water. And if you live in an area that is subject to earthquakes or other seismic activity, make sure you have sturdy shoes that will protect your feet if you have to walk over debris.
First Aid
A first-aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment used to give medical treatment. There is a wide variation in the contents of first-aid kits based on the knowledge and experience of those assembling them, the differing first-aid requirements of the area where they will be used, and variations in legislation or regulation. However, there are some common elements.
First-aid kits are generally divided into two types: personal and vehicle. A personal first-aid kit is designed for use by an individual and often contains only items that would be used on oneself. A vehicle first-aid kit is larger than a personal kit, as it needs to contain items that can be used on others, such as bandages, splints, and coverings for burns. It may also contain more specialized equipment, such as trauma shears and a neck collar.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States recommends that all workplaces have a first-aid kit readily available at all times. The contents of OSHA-compliant workplace first-aid kits vary depending on the size of the workplace and the type of industry, but must always include certain basic items, such as:
Tools and Supplies
One of the best ways to be prepared for a disaster is to have the right tools and supplies on hand. Here are some basics that you should always have in your disaster supply kit:
-A first aid kit
-A flashlight and extra batteries
-A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio
-Afire extinguisher
-A whistle
-Water, at least a 3-day supply for each person in your household
-Nonperishable food, at least a 3-day supply for each person in your household
Important Documents
In the event of an emergency, it is important to have certain documents readily available. This can help you prove your identity, obtain essential services, and/or access your financial resources.
Some of the documents you should have on hand include:
- Driver’s license or other photo ID
- Social security card
- Birth certificate
- Proof of address (utility bill, lease, etc.)
- Insurance cards (health, auto, etc.)
- Financial account information (bank statements, credit cards, etc.)
- Passport or other travel documents
- Copies of important legal documents (wills, power of attorney, etc.)
Putting it All Together
In the event of an emergency, you may need to evacuate your home or office or be confined to it for an extended period of time. What would you do if you had no power, no running water, and no way to communicate with the outside world? The first 72 hours are the most critical in any emergency situation. That’s why it’s important to have a disaster supply kit on hand at all times.
Conclusion
If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires, it’s important to have a disaster supplies kit on hand. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
While the contents of your kit will vary depending on your location and the types of disasters that are most likely to occur in your area, there are some basic items that every kit should include.
Water: You should have at least two quarts of water per person, per day for three days.
Food: Non-perishable food items that do not require cooking or refrigeration.
Manual can opener
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Flashlight
First aid kit
Whistle
Dust mask
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Blanket or sleeping bag for each person
Extra clothing and sturdy shoes
Information about your medications and medical conditions copies of important personal documents