Family Emergency Kits

The first step is to put together your family emergency kits. It's important to be prepared for the critical first 72 hours after an emergency or disaster.

• Survival food, at least a three-day to two week supply of non-perishable survival foods for each family member
  
  
• Emergency Water Supply, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  
  
• Hand crank or battery-powered radio and a NOAA Emergency Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  
• First aid kit
  
  
• Emergency Flashlights and extra batteries
  
  
• Whistle to signal for help
  
  
• Toilet paper
  
  
• Can opener for food
  
  
• Pocket knife
  
  
• Money
  
  
• Local maps
  
  
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air along with duct tape and plastic sheeting to shelter-in-place
  
  
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  
  
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

• All your prescription medications and your prescription glasses
  
  
• Infant formula and diapers
  
  
• Pet food and extra water for your pet emergency care
  
  
• Important family documents such as copies of identification, passports, insurance policies, bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  
  
• Emergency first aid book
  
  
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person in your family. You might want extra bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  
  
• Warm paks and camp heater.
  
  
• Change of clothing for each family member, which includes a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. You might want extra clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
  
  
• Water purification tablets
  
  
• Household bleach and medicine dropper – to use as disinfectant. Dilute nine parts water to one part bleach. To treat water in an emergency, use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
  
  
• Fire Extinguisher
  
  
• Waterproof matches or regular matches kept in a waterproof container
  
  
• Long-Burning candles
  
  
• For your personal hygiene, feminine supplies and personal items
  
  
• Paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels, mess kits, paper and pencils
  
  
• Activities for children, such as books, games and puzzles