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Your Family Disaster Supplies KitDisasters happen anytime
and anywhere. And when disaster strikes, you may not have much time
to respond. A highway spill or hazardous material could mean
evacuation. A winter storm could confine your family at home. An
earthquake, flood, tornado or any other disaster could cut water,
electricity and telephones -- for days.
After a disaster, local officials and relief workers will be on
the scene, but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get
help in hours, or it may take days. Would your family be prepared to
cope with the emergency until help arrives?
Your family will cope best by preparing for disaster before it
strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies
Kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for
supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family
can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
To Prepare Your Kit
 | Review the checklist in this brochure.
| Gather the supplies that are listed. You may need them if your
family is confined at home.
| Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in
an easy-to-carry container.
| There are six basics you should stock for your home: water,
food, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools and
emergency supplies and special items. Keep the items that you
would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry
container.
| Possible containers include:
 | a large, covered trash container
| a camping backpack
| or a duffle bag |
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Water
| Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk
cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink
at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and
intense physical activity can double that amount. Children,
nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
| Store one gallon of water per person.
| Keep at least a three-day supply of per day (two quarts for
drinking, two quarts of water for each person in your household
for food preparation/sanitation.) |
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Food
| Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
| Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or
cooking and little or no water.
| If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno.
| Select food items that are compact and lightweight.
| Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster
Supplies Kit: Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables
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First-Aid KitAssemble a first-aid kit for your home and one
for each car. A first-aid kit should include:
| Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
| Assorted sizes of safety pins
| Cleansing agent/soap
| Latex gloves (2 pair)
| Sunscreen
| 2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
| 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
| Triangular bandages (3)
| Non-prescription drugs
| 2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
| 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
| Scissors
| Tweezers
| Needle
| Moistened towelettes
| Antiseptic
| Thermometer
| Tongue blades (2)
| Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant |
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Non-Prescription Drugs.
| Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
| Anti-diarrhea medication
| Antacid (for stomach upset)
| Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the
Poison Control Center)
| Laxative
| Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control
Center) |
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Tools and Supplies
| Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
| Emergency preparedness manual
| Battery operated radio and extra batteries
| Flashlight and extra batteries
| Cash or traveler's checks, change
| Non-electric can opener, utility knife
| Fire extinguisher: small canister A-B-C type
| Tube tent
| Pliers
| Tape
| Compass
| Matches in a waterproof container
| Aluminum foil
| Plastic storage containers
| Signal flare
| Paper, pencil
| Needles, thread
| Medicine dropper
| Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
| Whistle
| Plastic sheeting
| Map of the area (for locating shelters) |
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Sanitation
| Toilet paper, towelettes
| Soap, liquid detergent
| Feminine supplies
| Personal hygiene items
| Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
| Plastic bucket with tight lid
| Disinfectant
| Household chlorine bleach |
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Clothing and Bedding
| At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per
person.
| Sturdy shoes or work boots
| Rain gear
| Blankets or sleeping bags
| Bath towels
| Hat and gloves
| Thermal underwear
| Sunglasses |
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Special ItemsRemember family members with special needs,
such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
For Baby
| Formula
| Diapers
| Bottles
| Powdered milk
| Medications |
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For Adults
| Heart and high blood pressure medication
| Insulin
| Prescription drugs
| Denture needs
| Contact lenses and supplies
| Extra eye glasses |
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Entertainment
| Games and books |
Important Family DocumentsKeep these records in a
waterproof, portable container:
| Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
| Passports, social security cards, immunization records
| Bank account numbers
| Credit card account numbers and companies
| Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone
numbers
| Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) |
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Storing Your Disaster KitStore your kit in a convenient
place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the
Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in air tight plastic bags. Change your stored water
supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food
every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a
year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription
medications.
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