How to assemble an emergency preparedness kit

Jul 25, 2007 - 12:28:05 PM

Emergency Kit

Most emergency preparedness suggestions are commonsense preparations that are readily available and not too difficult to put together on your own. Food, water, emergency items (i.e.: blankets, flashlights, radios, etc.) and first aid supplies should be considered as items needed in weather related emergencies (tornados, floods, ice storms) as well as potential terroristic threats.

View Ready.Gov instructional video on: making an emergency kit, make a plan and be informed.

Ready made kits to purchase (this is not an endorsement by OSEP for any particular product, just for information purposes only as a guide):

Referenced from: Georgia Office of Homeland Security website http://www.gahomelandsecurity.com

Terrorism doesn’t mean you have to change your life-it just means you need to be prepared. Whether a disaster is natural or human-made, it’s important to be prepared. Meet with your family and discuss why you need to be prepared for a disaster, and work together to prepare a family disaster plan.

Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family.
Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet.
Pick places for your family to meet outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire, or outside your neighborhood if you can’t return home.
Have an out-of-state friend or relative as the family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact. Family members need to call this family contact to let them know where they are in the event you cannot be together.
Make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones, in your wallet or purse and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.
Stock nonperishable emergency supplies and a disaster supply kit. (Source: American Red Cross)
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 in an easy-to carry container, such as a covered trash container, backpack, or duffle bag.

Water

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 per day. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).

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
Canned juices
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Latex gloves (2 pairs)
Sunscreen
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Triangular bandages (3)
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
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)

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 ABC 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)

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

Clothing and Bedding

Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.
Sturdy shoes or work boots
Rain gear
Blankets or sleeping bags
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons
For Baby:
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications
For Adults:
Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment :
Games and books

Important Family Documents
Keep 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)
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a
smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags.

Other

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.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross are additional sources that provide detailed suggestions on preparing for emergencies. .