| Assembling An Emergency Kit | |
Assembling an Emergency Kit
An Emergency Kit is designed to meet your family's basic needs both during and immediately after a disaster. The container you chose for your kit should be portable and stored near an exit door. Your kit should contain enough supplies to support your family and pets for 5 - 7 days.
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Food for 5-7 days | |
Matches in a waterproof container |
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Water for 5-7 days (1 gallon per person, per day) | |
Whistle |
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Manual can opener | |
Extra clothing and sturdy shoes |
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Battery operated radio or television (with extra batteries) |
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Blankets and bedding |
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Flashlight with extra batteries | |
Kitchen and cooking utensils |
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First aid kit and manual | |
Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, plastic garbage bags and ties, toilet paper) |
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Cash and coins | |
Medication |
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Photocopies of identification and important documents | |
Tools |
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Pet Food and supplies | |
Inclement weather needs |
For a printable, detailed version of this checklist click here. (You will need Adobe Reader.)
For more ideas on what to include in your emergency kit, go to www.redcross.org.
Developing a Family Communications Plan
Your family members may not be together when disaster hits. It is important to develop a plan ahead of time so that you know how to get in touch with each other and where to meet.
OUT OF STATE CONTACT Although the local phone service may be overwhelmed in the effected area, it may be possible for you to reach reach someone out of state. Designate an out-of-state friend or relative as your family's emergency contact. Each family member will then call this person after an emergency to check-in and let them know where they are. |
MEETING PLACES/EVACUATION SITES If you are separated from you family members at the time a disaster hits, identify meeting places where you can reunite. Also find out the location of the nearest pre-designated emergency shelter in your area. |
| PHONE NUMBERS, ADDRESSES AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION Having all of your contact information in one place and easily accessible is important. Be careful however, that these critical pieces of information don't fall into the wrong hands. Keep the information in a safe place. |
PRACTICE THE PLAN Make sure that every family member is familiar with your communication plan. Consider different emergency scenarios and how each member will respond. |
Use this form to assist you in developing your Family's Communication Plan.
Department of Homeland Security Family Communication Plan
(You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download this form.)