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 | What do I need for a disaster kit?
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|  No one wants to face a disaster, but it's good to know you're prepared, just in case.The basics of an all-purpose disaster kit are three days of food and water per person and a first aid kit. Your first aid kit should include: Bandages >Bandage tape Scissors Tweezers Antiseptic or >antibiotic ointment' Thermometer Safety pins in assorted sizes >Gloves and masks Medical supplies that family members need--prescription drugs (keep them current),
contact lens solution, etc. Nonprescription medicines, including:
>Aspirin or >nonaspirin pain reliever
>Antidiarrhea drugs
>Antacid
>Laxative
Hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting wounds
>Individually wrapped alcohol swabs
A family plan listing the duties of each family member in case of a disasterPack the disaster kit so it's easy to carry in case of an evacuation and store it where you can get to it easily from inside your home. Review your disaster kit every six months. To help you remember, do it at the same time you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time. If you live in an area prone to certain natural disasters--hurricanes or earthquakes, for example--you may want to add extra supplies to your all-purpose disaster kit. Extra items in case of a hurricane or flood: Sleeping bags or extra blankets Nonbreakable spoons, forks, knives, cups, plates, etc. Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or ordinary household chlorine bleach (mix thoroughly six drops--1/8 teaspoon--of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach per gallon of water and let stand for about 30 minutes) Baby supplies including diapers and baby food and/or prepared formula Disposable cleaning cloths, such as baby wipes, that family members can use if bathing facilities are not availableA change of clothingA portable toilet and toilet paper >soap, >toothpaste, >sanitary napkins, and other personal hygiene items Alternate heat and cooking sources, such as a kerosene heater and a camp stove--use these only in well-ventilated areas Candles and waterproof matches A mop, bucket, and towels Plastic trash bags and ties>Insect repellentRubber boots and rubber glovesA diagram showing the main switches or valves for utilities with instructions on how to shut them offExtra items in case of an earthquake: Tools (including an ax, shovel, screwdriver, pliers, hammer, and adjustable wrench)Rope for towing or rescue Plastic sheeting and tape Shoes that can provide protection from broken glass, nails, and other debrisDurable gloves for cleaning up debris Candles and waterproof matchesA portable radio, a flashlight, and extra batteriesA change of clothing Fire extinguisher--multipurpose, dry chemical typeToilet tissueFor more information about preparing for disasters, go to the Web site of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at:http://www.fema.gov/pte/ The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offers advice on preparing for and surviving many types of disasters, including:
Earthquakes
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/emergency/quake.htm
Floods
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/emergency/flood.htm
Hurricanes
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/emergency/hurricane.htm
Sources:
CDC Prevention Guidelines. Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit. Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1998.
http://www.fema.gov/. Last accessed 12/20/2006.
This answer prepared 9/8/2000.
This information updated 12/20/2006.
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