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.
Basic Disaster Supply Kit
To assemble your kit,
store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit
in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.
A basic emergency supply kit could include the following
recommended items:
- Water - one gallon of water per
person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food -
at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
- Battery-powered
or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit - 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.
- Extra
batteries
- Whistle to
signal for help
- Dust mask to
help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist
towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or
pliers to turn off utilities
- Manual can
opener for food
- Local maps
- Cell phone
with chargers and a backup battery
- Download the Recommended Supplies List
Health and Hygiene Supplies
- Prescription medication - at least one week's supply.
- Toilet paper and Paper towels.
- Medical equipment
- 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.
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
Additional Emergency Supplies
- 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.
- Prescription
medications
- Non-prescription
medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or
laxatives
- Glasses
and contact lense solution
- Infant
formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet
food and extra water for your pet
- Cash
or traveler's checks
- Important
family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and
bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable
container
- Sleeping
bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete
change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household
chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire
extinguisher
- Matches
in a waterproof container
- Feminine
supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess
kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper
and pencil
- Books,
games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your
kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed. Set a calendar reminder
every six months to a year:
- Keep canned food in
a cool, dry place
- Store
boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace
expired items as needed
- Re-think
your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Supply Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know
where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and
vehicles.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place
and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure
all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for
at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other
necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored
in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle: 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 three to seven 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. In case you
are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.