Preparing an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Often during an emergency, electricity, water, heat, air conditioning or telephone service may not work. All Nevadans should have some basic supplies on hand in order for a family to survive if an emergency occurs. The emergency supply kit should be robust and contain enough food, water, medications and other consumables to last up to seven to ten days. Following is a list of basic items (based on a family of four to survive for seven to ten days) that every emergency supply kit should include. Check your family emergency stockpiles, change batteries in radios and flashlights, replace or rotate food items in the kit, update any family information medications, address the special needs of the family, emergency contact information and identification cards for all members. 

    An emergency preparedness kit is a first step to ensure families and businesses can sustain themselves in the event of illness outbreaks or natural disasters like severe winter storms, earthquakes, fires, and floods. Family emergency supplies can be contained in new, large trashcans, backpacks or suitcases and can be assembled over several months by adding just one or two items to a grocery list. Kits should include food, water, a first aid kit, tools, copies of important documents, clothing and bedding, medications, and pet supplies.

      Recommendations for Family Emergency Preparedness Kits include:

        Food and Water

        • Bottled water - one gallon per person per day, collapsible, sterile water container,(fluids with electrolytes).
        • Ready-to-eat canned foods - vegetables, fruits, beans, meat, fish, poultry, pasta, soup, juice.  
        • Milk - powdered, canned or shelf-stable brick pack.  
        • High energy foods - peanut butter, jelly, nuts, dried meat (for example, jerky), granola, trail mix, energy bars.  
        • Staples - sugar, salt, pepper, instant coffee, tea bags, cocoa.  
        • Candy - chocolate bars, hard candy.  
        • Instant and small children's needs - baby food, formula, disposable diapers.  
        • Specialty food - for elderly or people on special diets.  
        • Pet food (if needed)

          Health and Hygiene Supplies

          •  Prescription medication - at least one week's supply.
          •  Toilet paper and Paper towels.
          •  Pre-moistened hand wipes - pre-moistened baby wipes.
          •  Hand sanitizer
          •  Toiletries - toothpaste, deodorant, soap.
          •  Feminine hygiene supplies.
          •   A list of family physicians, important medical information, and the style and serial number of medical devices such as pacemakers. 

            Personal Supplies

            • Cash on hand
            • A change of clothing, rain gear and sturdy shoes for each family member. Sleeping bags, bedding or blankets for each family member. 
            • An extra pair of glasses or contact lenses and solution (be sure to check expiration dates).
            • Pet's medication, leashes, collars, ID tags, blanket, bed, carrier, toys.
            • Document Holder with identification, credit cards/traveler's checks/cash, and photocopies of important family documents including home insurance information.

              Household Supplies and Equipment

              • One gallon liquid chlorine bleach.
              • Battery-powered radio or TV.
              • Flashlights - one for each room of the house.
              • Lantern LED
              • Glow sticks
              • Extra fresh batteries for radio, TV, lantern and flashlights.
              • Whistle
              • Gasoline (if you plan to use a generator outdoors).
              • Propane fuel (if you plan to use a grill or camp stove outdoors).
              • Charcoal (if you plan to use a barbecue grill outdoors).
              • Disposable tableware, including paper towels and napkins.
              • Manual can opener, utensils and sterno for heating.
              • Plastic bags - zip sealing, garbage.
              • Fire extinguisher (small canister A-B-C type).
              • Food thermometer - able to measure temperature from 0 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit

                Tools

                •  Rope (for rescue, tow, tying down property)
                • Shovel
                • Hammer and nails
                • Multi-Tool with pliers
                • 4 in 1 Emergency Tool (with gas and water shut off)
                • Reflective Vests
                • Work gloves
                • Eye Goggles
                • Utility Tape; electrical tape
                • Clean-up supplies
                • Broom and Mop
                • Buckets (5 gal min, with lids)
                • N-95 particulate masks
                • Disinfecting spray
                • Paper towels, rags (to clean with)
                • Rubber gloves, scrub brush, sponges
                • Garbage bags with ties

                  First Aid Kit

                  Have these supplies on hand: First aid manual, assortment of sterile gauze pads and adhesive bandages, medical tape, ace bandage, CPR mask, Quik Clot, over-the-counter drugs (aspirin, antidiarrheal medications, and activated charcoal), antiseptic ointment, soap, nitrile gloves, SAM splint, oropharyngeal airways set, thermometer, tweezers and needles, and tongue depressors.

                    Car and Truck Kits

                    Also consider kits for your cars or trucks. Severe weather can move in quickly and strand motorists. The best preparation for severe winter weather including strong winds and heavy rain requires planning ahead. Almost everyone carries a cell phone – keep it charged up. And at a minimum keep a blanket, radio, flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and a 3-day supply of food and water in your vehicles. Don’t forget to tell friends or relatives that you’re travelling, what route you’re taking, and when you expect to arrive. This information could save your life if you get stuck.

                      Remember that planning ahead, assembling an emergency supply kit, staying informed, and keeping those in your circle informed about you are the best ways to stay safe.

                      For more information visit Ready.gov