| Emergency Preparedness: Emergency Supply Kit |
Emergencies can occur anytime, anywhere, and when they do, its often too late to begin to get all the items necessary to cope with it. Local stores may be closed, making you unable to gather items at the last minute, so its best to have an emergency supply kit assembled beforehand. The items should be placed in a container that can be picked up or wheeled away in case of evacuation. Some examples include a large, covered trash container, a plastic storage container, or a backpack. They should be stored together in a cool, dry spot. To protect food from pests and dampness, place it in large, sealable containers.
The essential items of a kit include at least a three-day supply of food and water
for each person, first aid supplies, clothing and bedding, tools, and emergency supplies and special items. You may want to consider having enough supplies on-hand to last two weeks. The items in the kit should be reviewed every six months and old or expired items should be replaced.
Items to include in an emergency supply kit:
Water
Store one gallon of water per person (and pet) per day. Water should be stored in plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that may break, such as glass bottles.
Food
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation, or cooking and little or no water. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Most importantly, select foods that you and your family like.
Ready-to-eat canned meats
Ready-to-eat canned fruits
Ready-to-eat canned vegetables
Canned juices and milk
Canned soups
High energy foods such as peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, and trail
mix
Special food for infants, elderly persons, or persons on special diets
Comfort food such as cookies, candy, etc.
First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.
Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
2-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6)
Hypoallergenic adhesive tape
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 depressor (2)
Petroleum jelly or other lubricant
Assorted sizes of safety pins
Cleansing agent/soap
Latex gloves (2 pair)
Sunscreen
Non-Prescription Drugs
Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of ipecac (used to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Prescription medications
Tools and Supplies
Eating utensils, cups, and plates
Solar, manual, or battery operated radio and extra batteries
Flashlight and extra batteries
Cell phones and charges and extra battery
Paper and pencil
Fire extinguisher
Non-electric can opener
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Map
Gloves
Wrench (to turn off gas and water)
Crowbar
Signal flare
Soap
Alcohol-based hand gel
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Dust mask or cotton T-shirt for each person to help filter the air
Feminine supplies
Personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes and toothpaste
Plastic garbage bags
Chlorine bleach
Cash (small bills and coins because if electricity is out you wont be able to use ATMs or credit cards)
Pet Supplies
Food
Water
Medications
Leash
Tags
Litter box
Vaccination information
Clothing and Bedding
At least one complete change of clothing for each person
A sturdy pair of shoes for each person
A jacket or coat for each person
Hat and gloves, long pants, long sleeve shirt for each person (more if you live in a colder climate and may not have heat)
Blankets
Sleeping bags
Special Items
Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses
Entertainment such as books, games, and cards
Important Family Documents and Information
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container
Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks, and bonds
Passports, social security cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Family records (birth, marriage, and death certificates)
Gather and record emergency information for each household member. The information should include:
1. Name
2. Cell phone number
3. Work/school/daycare phone number(s)
4. Friends home and cell phone numbers
5. Date of birth
6. Height and weight
7. Doctors name and phone number(s)
8. Allergies
9. Medications
10. Past medical history
Inventory of valuable household goods possibly with photos of items in your home
Important telephone numbers, including local pharmacies, hospitals, friends,
family members, Poison Control Center, schools, daycares)
Important web site addresses:
Lakes Regional Healthcare and Dickinson County Public Health
www.lakeshealth.org
Iowa Department of Public Health
www.idph.state.ia.us
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
www.hhs.gov
Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management
www.iowahomelandsecurity.com
Disaster Help
www.disasterhelp.gov
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
www.ready.gov
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