Emergency Supply Kit

Don't get caught unprepared. The time to gather your emergency supplies is BEFORE the emergency happens. Not only will you find it easier to determine your supply needs when things are calm, you will also avoid the crowds and chaos in the stores.

The contents of your kit should be reviewed periodically and refreshed as needed. Many people use the days when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends as a convenient time to check their emergency preparations (not only the supplies below but also your emergency plans and the batteries in your smoke detectors).

Emergency supplies should be stored in a convenient carrier, preferably a closed, waterproof box. Food items and water should be handled so as to keep them fresh and safe.

"Building Family Disaster Supply Kits" - brochure in pdf format

CLICK HERE for a printable Shopping List of supplies for your Emergency Kit.

One Storm ™ is an excellent site that allows you to create your emergency kit online, and then builds a shopping list for you. It also keeps track of personal info, medications, pet descriptions and needs, and much more. Very user friendly.

FOOD and WATER

Water (drinking) - At least 1 gallon per person, per day for a minimum of 3 days up to a period of 1 week. This will ensure that you have drinkable water should flooding compromise the City's water supply.
Water (cleaning & sanitation) - You will want to fill your bathtub and other available containers with water immediately before a storm arrives (in the case of a hurricane, etc.). This is NOT water for drinking, but rather for cleaning and sanitation.
Ready-to-eat, non-perishable foods (canned or packaged) - It may not be possible to cook foods, should power be out, so it is important to have foods that are easy to prepare. 3-day supply.
- Consider foods high in energy, such as peanut butter, jelly, granola, dried fruits, nuts, trail mixes, breads, crackers, cookies, etc.
- Avoid foods high in fat and salt, as this will increase the need for water.
Foods for special diets, including the elderly and infants
Manual Can Opener and Bottle Opener
Paper plates, utensils, towels

PERSONAL ITEMS

Blankets, pillows, bedding items
Basic toiletries
Toilet paper
Moist towels or baby wipes for clean-ups
Change of clothes for each family member, along with boots and a set of old clothes that you won't mind getting wet/muddy after a storm
Baby care items
Personal items for the elderly

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS

Flashlights, batteries and bulbs (do not use candles or kerosene lamps due to their hazard for fire)
Portable radio and batteries, also a weather radio
Clock - wind-up or battery powered
Fire Extinguishers (always keep one in the kitchen and garage, and check them regularly)
Rabbit-ears antenna to attach to your TV if cable goes out
Extra set of keys for cars and house
Important documents in a waterproof bag or container
- Insurance, medical records, bank account numbers
- Social Security cards, deeds, other vital records
- Documentation of all valuables, including photos or video, if possible
Small toys, books, entertainment items for children
Basic tools for minor repairs
Items for the care of your pets