Emergency Supply List

Use National Emergency Preparedness Month as the impetus to #BeReady for the unexpected

September 4, 2019 | 2 min reading time

This article is 5 years old. It was published on September 4, 2019.

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month. There are simple steps you can take to prepare for and respond to potential emergency, including natural disasters. The three keys things are:

  • get an emergency supply kit
  • make a family emergency plans
  • be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.

All Americans should have some basic supplies on hand in order to survive for at least three days if an emergency occurs. Following is a listing of some basic items that every emergency supply kit should include. However, it is important that individuals review this list and consider where they live and the unique needs of their family in order to create an emergency supply kit that will meet these needs. Individuals should also consider having at least two emergency supply kits, one full kit at home and small portable kits in their workplace, vehicle or other places they spend time.

Recommended items to include in a basic emergency supply kit are:

  • Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
  • Local maps

Additional items to consider:

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
  • Cash or traveler's checks and change
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.
  • Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels

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