The
Civic Voice of Arlington
EMERGENCY
PREPAREDNESS
Family
Disaster Kit
Checklists
for Personal Use
Compiled
from Data Prepared by the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency
Management Administration
Preparing
an emergency kit can seem to be a daunting task, so we’ve attempted to
simplify matters for you by basing your “shopping” program according to type
of store. Some of these supplies can be purchased over time, but all
are important to have on-hand.
GROCERY STORE
☺Water
— One gallon per person per day (3 to 7 day supply, rotate every 3—6
months.)
☺Non-perishable
foods — canned soups, vegetables, fruits; boxed cereals, granola bars; dried
fruits, meats; peanut butter, jelly. (Store
in bug-proof receptacles, go for high calories, family favorites. Enough for one meal per day.
Choose foods that don’t require heating.)
☺Manual
can-opener
☺Staples
– sugar, salt, pepper
☺Canned juices, milk (if powdered, purchase extra
water). Coffee, tea.
☺Comfort
foods – cookies, hard candy
☺Can(s)
of Sterno (to allow some heating if desired)
☺Batteries
(see Tools)
☺Paper
products (cups, napkins, plates, paper towels, toilet paper)
☺Pet
food (store in bug-proof container)
☺Vitamins and other supplements (have a selection of what your family
uses)
☺Disinfectants
– particularly regular household bleach (can be used to disinfect water if
supplies are contaminated)
☺Liquid
detergent
☺Plastic
garbage bags and ties
☺Aluminum
foil
☺Plastic
storage containers (to keep out bugs)
☺Baby
formula, diapers, baby food
☺Foods
for those with dietary restrictions
☺Paper,
pencil
☺Needles,
thread
GROCERY STORE OR PHARMACY
☺Prescription
Medications or Prescription Equipment (check with pharmacist on shelf life and
never go below one week’s prescription on hand). Extra eyeglasses, hearing aid batteries.
Contact lenses/supplies.
☺**First
Aid Kit contents and Manual – sterile adhesive bandanges in assorted sizes; 2-
and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4-6); hypoalllergenic adhesive tape; triangular
bandates (3); 2- and 3-inch
sterile roller bandates (3 rolls each); scissors, tweezers; needle; moistened
towelettes; antiseptic; thermometer; tongue blades (2); tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant; safety pins; cleansing agent/soap;
latex gloves (2 pair); sunscreen; eye-washing cup; medicine dropper.
☺**Over-the-counter
medications: aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever; anti-diarrhea medication;
antacid; Syrup of Ipecac; laxative; activated charcoal.
☺Feminine
supplies; Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, etc.)
CAMP,
HARDWARE STORE, AUTO
☺Tube
tent, sleeping bags or blankets
☺Battery-operated
radio (consider a NOAA/National Weather Service Alert Radio) and extra batteries
☺Flashlight
and extra batteries
☺Mess
kit (in lieu of some paper products); camp grill or fondue pot
☺Fire
extinguisher, small canister, ABC type
☺Pliers;
Shut-off wrench to turn off household water (and gas IF advised by emergency
personnel); camp shovel
☺Tape:
Duct, masking
☺Booster
cables; tire repair kit and pump; area maps
☺Signal
flare
☺Matches in waterproof container
☺Whistle
☺Plastic sheeting
CAMP OR DEPARTMENT
STORE
☺Sturdy shoes or work boots (2 pr. per person)
☺Rain gear
☺Thermal underwear
☺Sunglasses
☺Hat and gloves
☺One complete change of clothes with extra underwear
and socks
BANK
☺Cash or travelers’ checks (small denominations) plus
change
OTHER
Many of us have special needs – those who are mobility impaired, have chronic conditions, are hearing impaired. Knowing your particular needs, and having back-up equipment, can make a disaster manageable. Among the items needed, depending upon the condition, are:
☺Back-up wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen supplies,
catheters, equipment for guide or service animals; list of the style and serial
numbers of medical devices such as pacemakers.
☺Pets have medical needs, too.
Medications, grooming needs (brush, clippers)
DOCUMENTS
In the event you must evacuate your home or neighborhood
because of incidents such as fires or chemical spills, have a COPY of documents
ready to go. These include: ☺Birth certificates; drivers’ licenses; powers of attorney, advanced
medical directives, wills; insurance polices and beneficiary lists; copies of medical prescriptions; deeds, stocks and bonds; immunization
records; bank account and credit card numbers (plus contact phone numbers)
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