Emergencies Supplies

Storing Emergency Supplies

Chances are you will have to rely upon supplies you have available in your home for at least the first Five - Seven days following any major disaster. Store these items in something that is portable and easily carried, like a plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid. In the event of fire or rapid evacuation, you’ll appreciate having more than just the clothes on your back. The container should be able to withstand moisture, insects, and some abuse when the quake happens.

If you have a large family, several smaller tubs may be easier to carry than one large container. Place items in plastic bags to protect against condensation, which causes mildew and rust. The bags newspapers come in are a good choice - these can later be used for disposing of waste. Keep at least a three-day supply of water for each person in your household. Two-liter soda pop bottles work great. That means six two-liter bottles per person.

Supplies Location

Locate these supplies as close to your primary house exit as possible. You may have to find it in the dark or after the upheaval of an earthquake. 

Example Items

Here are some example items that should be included in your kit.

Home Disaster Kits

  • Canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
  • Canned juices and soups
  • High energy foods - peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky
  • Dehydrated foods
  • Rice, oatmeal, powdered milk, bags of beans
  • "Comfort" foods - cookies, hard candy, etc.

First Aid Kit

  • Sterile 4" adhesive bandages
  • Sterile 4" x 4" gauze pads
  • 4" rolled gauze bandages
  • Large triangular bandages
  • Butterfly bandages
  • Adhesive tape
  • Scissors and tweezers
  • Moistened towelettes
  • Bar soap
  • Latex gloves
  • Aspirin and non-aspirin pain reliever
  • Antacid
  • Anti-diarrhea medication
  • Insect repellent
  • Hydrogen peroxide to disinfect wounds
  • Antibiotic ointment to dress wounds
  • Sunscreen
  • Safety pins
  • Needle and thread
  • Plastic bags
  • Sanitary pads
  • Instant cold packs
  • Pocket knife
  • Splinting materials

Clothing & Bedding

  • One complete change of clothes
  • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Mylar blankets
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Warm socks
  • Hat and gloves

Tools & Supplies

  • Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
  • Battery operated AM radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Flashlight
  • Non-electric can opener
  • ABC fire extinguisher
  • Whistle
  • Toilet paper and towelettes
  • Liquid soap
  • Feminine supplies
  • Roll of plastic and duct tape to seal broken windows
  • Extra eye glasses
  • Prescription drugs and medications
  • Baby diapers, food, and formula
  • A family picture
  • Games and Books
  • Copies of insurance policies
  • Bank account numbers
  • Inventory of valuables
  • Family records
  • Contact lens solution
  • Denture adhesive

Children's Disaster Pack

You can also have your children create their own personal disaster pack. They can include things like their favorite book or stuffed animal. These familiar things will help keep them comfortable during an emergency, and the process will help them learn the importance of being prepared.

Children's Personal Pack Checklist

  • Change of clothes
  • Blanket
  • Books and/or old video games
  • Favorite toy
  • Paper, pencils, and crayons
  • Favorite foods and juices

Make This More Manageable

Preparing for disasters is a long-term goal. To make this task more manageable, choose just two or three items that you will get each month. Plan to rotate the items in your kit annually. This includes making sure the clothes you have stored still fit and the batteries are still fresh.