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Preparing a 7-day
survival kit
The first step in preparing
ahead of time for a disaster is assembling a family disaster kit. This
kit should contain six basics -- water, food, first aid supplies,
clothing and bedding, tools and special items. Keep items you would most
likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container such as a
large, covered trash can, a camping backpack or a duffel bag. Following
is a list of suggested supplies for the kit: |
Water
Store
water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers
that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally
active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot
environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children,
nursing mothers and ill people will need more.
*
Store one gallon of water per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two for
food preparation and sanitation).
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Keep at least a 7-day supply of water for each person in your household. Also
keep a supply of water purifying agents in the kit.
Food
Store at
least a 7-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no
refrigeration, cooking or preparation. Don’t forget to pack a can opener.
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Milk -- powdered or canned
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Canned meats, fruits and vegetables
*
Soups -- bouillon cubes or dried "soups in a cup"
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High energy foods -- peanut butter, jelly, crackers, nuts, health
food bars, trail mix |
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Vitamins
*
Smoked or dried meats
*
Staples -- sugar, salt, pepper
*
Stress foods – sugar cookies, hard candy, sweetened cereals |
First Aid Kit
You should
have at least two first aid kits -- one for your home and one for each car you
drive. A basic first aid kit should include:
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Sterile adhesive bandages
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3-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)
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Triangular bandages (3)
*
2-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)
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Needle
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Bar of soap
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Moist towelettes (8-10 packages)
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2-inch sterile gauze pads (8-12)
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Adhesive tape
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Scissors
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Tweezers
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Safety razor blade |
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Thermometer
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Tongue depressor
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Petroleum jelly
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Safety pins
*
Latex gloves
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Non-prescription pain relievers
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Anti-diarrhea medication
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Antacids
*
Laxatives
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Rubbing alcohol
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Sunscreen
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Antiseptic spray |
Clothing and
Bedding
Include at
least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, as well as these
items:
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Sturdy shoes or work boots
*
Rain gear
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Blankets or sleeping bags |
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Hats and gloves
*
Thermal underwear
*
Sunglasses |
Tools and
Supplies
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Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
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Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
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Cash or traveler’s checks, change
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Flashlight and extra batteries
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Utility knife
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Pliers
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Tape
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Compass
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Matches in waterproof container
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Aluminum foil
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Plastic storage containers |
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Paper, pencil
*Needle,
thread
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Medicine dropper
*Shut-off
wrench, to turn off water, gas
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Whistle
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Plastic sheeting
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Map of the area (for locating shelters)
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Toilet paper
*
Towels
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Soap or liquid detergent
*
Personal hygiene items |
Other
items to consider packing are: a small ABC type fire extinguisher, a tent,
signal flares, plastic garbage bags and ties, a small shovel, a small plastic
bucket with a tight fitting lid, disinfectant and household chlorine bleach.
Special Items
Remember
family members with special needs such as infants, elderly or disabled persons.*
Visit Disaster Preparedness for People with
Special needs: for more information.
For Baby
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Formula
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Bottles
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Medications
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Diapers
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Powdered milk |
For Adults
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Heart and high blood pressure medication
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Insulin
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Denture needs
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Extra eye glasses
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Prescription drugs
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Contact lenses and supplies |
*Also
consider packing small games for children and books for adults.
Copies of important
family documents should be packed in a waterproof, portable container. These
papers include:
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Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
*Passports,
social security cards, immunization records
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Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
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Family records (birth, marriage certificates)
Store
your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller
version in the trunk of your car. Keep the contents in air tight plastic bags.
Stored water should be changed every three months so it stays fresh and stored
food should be rotated every six months. Rethink your kit and family needs at
least once a year and replace batteries, update clothes, etc. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist about storing prescription medications.
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