Severe Weather Guide

American Red Cross Family Disaster Supplies Kit

These contents can be assembled over a five month period on a weekly basis and perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months.

Essentials:

• Battery-operated radio
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Do not include candles, which cause more fires after a disaster than anything else

Water:

• 3 gallons/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
• Canned fruits
• Canned juice
• Peanut butter
• Canned vegetables
• Ready-to-Eat canned meats
• Quick energy snacks, graham crackers

First Aid Kit:
(one for your home and one for each car)

• Scissors
• Thermometer
• Needle
• Latex gloves (2 pairs)
• Moistened towelettes
• 2" sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 2" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
• Triangular bandages (3)
• Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant
• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
• Sun screen
• Tweezers
• Cleansing agent/soap
• Tongue blades (2)
• Assorted sizes of safety pins
• 4" sterile gauze pads (4-6)
• 3" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

Non-Prescription Drugs:

• Laxative
• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
• Activated Charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Antacid (for stomach upset)

Tools and Supplies:

• Whistle
• Crowbar
• Paper, pencil
• Medicine dropper
• Signal flare
• Assorted nails, wood screws
• Plastic storage containers
• Cash or traveler's checks, change
• Non-electric can opener, utility knife
• Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
• Tape, duct 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
• Aluminum foil
• Compass
• Plastic sheeting
• Needles, thread
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Pliers, screwdriver, hammer
• Heavy cotton or hemp rope
• Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation:

• Disinfectant
• Soap, liquid detergent
• Feminine supplies
• Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels
• Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
• Household chlorine bleach
• Personal hygiene items
• Plastic bucket with tight lid

Clothing and Bedding:

• Sunglasses
• Hat and gloves
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• One complete change of clothing and footwear per person
• Rain gear
• Sturdy shoes or work boots
• Thermal underwear

For Baby:

• Formula
• Bottles
• Powdered milk
• Diapers
• Medication

For Pets:

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

Important Family Documents:

• Important telephone numbers
• Record of bank account numbers
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
• Inventory of valuable household goods
• Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
• Record of credit card account numbers and companies
• Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records

Family Medical Needs:

• Insulin
• Denture needs
• Contact lenses and supplies
• Prescription drugs
• Extra eye glasses
• Heart and high blood pressure medication

Entertainment:

• Games and books

Content was contributed by the American Red Cross.