FEMA on emergency kit preparedness

Through its Ready campaign, the Federal Emergency Management Agency educates and empowers you and your loved ones to take some simple steps to prepare for and respond to potential emergencies, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

The campaign asks individuals to do three key things:

  1. Get an emergency supply kit.
  2. Make a family emergency plan.
  3. Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.

Build a basic disaster supplies kit

An emergency kit is simply a collection of basic terms your household may need in the event of an emergency.  Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency.  You and your family may have to evacuate at a moments’ notice and take essentials with you.  You and your family will probably not have time to search for the supplies you’ll need or shop for them.  You and your family may need to survive on your own after an emergency.  This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least three days.

Local officials and relief workers will be most likely not be on the scene with you and your family after a disaster.  You may get help in hours or it might take days.  Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer.  Your emergency kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit:

  • 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)
  • Radio and weather radio
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Extra batteries for radio(s) and flashlight(s)
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle
  • Dust Mask
  • Moist towelettes, heavy duty garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Additional items to consider adding to an emergency supply kit:

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula
  • Diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler’s checks and change
  • Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from www.ready.gov
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
  • Additional bedding
  • A complete change of clothing including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
  • Mess kits
  • Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils and paper towels
  • Paper, pencil, sharpener
  • Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

It is important that you review this emergency supply list and consider where you live and the unique needs of your family in order to create an emergency supply kit that will fully meet those needs.

Also consider having at least two emergency supply kits – one full kit at home and a smaller, portable kit in your workplace in case of a personal emergency.

*Please note that The Perfect Prepper is not affiliated with FEMA or it’s Ready campaign.  The above information is from FEMA’s Ready website at www.ready.gov