Family Disaster Supplies

ABC - EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Disaster Supplies Kit Information

Disasters and Emergency can strike at anytime, if you have surfed here from the Family Disaster Planning Page, then you are ready to begin to plan for your family disaster supplies. If you have not taken the time to look over the family disaster plan section, we suggest you do that first. You may click here to go to the family disaster planning section.

Being prepared for disasters and emergencies, may be one of the most important things you will ever do. Just think, disaster strikes and because you are prepared you save the life of a family member or maybe your own. It is that simple! You are also helping others by helping yourself, by being prepared and ready you allow emergency responders the opportunity to help others who have not taken the time to plan like you have.

These simple steps, and a little bit of time in putting together you plan and supplies, and you are ready for what may come. We hope you never have to use your family disaster plan or your supplies kit, and we hope bad things never happen again, however we live in a dangerous world, accidents and emergencies still happen, we must be prepared.

DISASTER SUPPLIES PLANNING

The first step in getting your disaster supplies together is a little bit of planning. As we have discussed in the family disaster planning pages you should know your hazards, and what problems you may face. You may want to tailor your supplies for the dangers and for your area. The information contained in this section is at the least the minimum amount of supplies you should have available.

DISASTER SUPPLIES CONTAINER

You should place your disasters supplies in one container you can move very quickly. Some people buy a plastic storage containers you may want to put your supplies kit in a large duffle bag, others have bought new plastic garbage cans with wheels to enable quick movement of the supplies. No matter what you choose, make sure your container for your supplies can withstand some weather, and is easy to move. Be sure everyone in the family knows where the supplies kit is, and what is in it.

DISASTER SUPPLIES BASICS

In each disaster supplies kit, a set of basic supplies should be kept: Water, non-perishable food items, a battery operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, and a number of other items. Each of these items are covered below in more detail:

WATER - Everyone needs water to survive. We suggest you buy water already bottled from the store. We understand it costs more to do this, instead of bottling the water from your home tap, but water from the store has been bottled using sanitary means, and you do not run the risk of contamination due to sealed bottles.

You can still store water from your tap for washing and sanitary purposes, remember to use containers that have been cleaned out, and never use containers that were once used for cleaning or other types of chemicals, just in case you decide to use this water for drinking.

When storing water, you should plan to have one (1) gallon of water, per person in your family, per day for three (3) days. We don't know too many people who could drink a gallon in a day, but we should also be concerned with cleaning with this water, and washing with this water as well.

Example - You have four (4) members in your family or household

Four (4) Gallons Per Day

Three (3) Days times Four (4) Gallons = Twelve (12) Gallons

FOOD - Food is a very important commodity during an emergency, we all must eat. When you plan to store food, be sure you keep non-perishable items, such as canned food, and dry goods. Store everything in air-tight containers and zip-top bags. These bags may be handy for other purposes later as well. We suggest that you have high energy foods such as energy bars, canned goods such as Chef Boyardee, or similar items. You must also be aware of canned items and their shelf life. Almost all canned items have a shelf life, you should never keep anything for more than a year or two. For more information on storing canned goods, you may contact the item maker.

BATTERY OPERATED RADIO AND SPARE BATTERIES - Being in touch with what is going on is vitally important. In the event of power loss, or if you have to leave your home, you should have a means to stay in touch with the world. Emergency Management Officials utilize the local radio stations to keep the public informed during an emergency. Extra batteries are a must with this radio. We suggest you should keep at least two complete sets if not more. Also keep in mind the need to keep your kit portable, a small battery operated radio is preferred over larger radios.

FLASHLIGHT AND SPARE BATTERIES - As with Food, water and information, being able to see in the dark is vitally important as well. You should have at least one flashlight in your supplies kit, and spare batteries. Most people will be compelled to share batteries between the radio and the flashlight, you should have enough batteries for both, and you should only share these batteries in the most extreme case.

EXTRA CLOTHING AND LINENS - You should have an extra change of clothing and a sturdy pair of shoes, including socks in your supplies kit for each member in your family. You should also consider some blankets and sheets for emergency purposes and for resting.

You may also want to consider a couple of bath towels, you can use these for drying, warmth, and cushioning if needed.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS/CASH/CREDIT CARDS - You may want to consider having some extra cash for emergency purposes in your kit, as well as a backup credit and debit card, for emergency use only. You may also want to keep photo copies of vital records in your supplies kit as well. Health Insurance Cards, important legal documents, copies of drivers license, and important medical records, should be kept in your kit as well

FIRST AID KIT - A basic first aid kit is a vital part of the disaster supplies kit. You can purchase a kit which has all of the materials and supplies you need, or you can put together one for yourself. You will want to consider bandages, gauze pads, disinfectant, burn ointments, and other necessary items. You will also want to consider some over the counter medications such as cold medicine, and pain killers.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION - When you have to leave your home, you may have to leave quickly. Remembering to take your medicine for most people is an arduous task in itself, remembering it during an emergency is even more difficult. Your pharmacist may be able to provide you with a disaster pack, of medication in the event you must leave quickly, you may need to ask your Doctor for a prescription for this. Individuals who are dependent on medication will be provided for by emergency workers if we are able to respond to your call and if we can access the need drugs, again this is an issue of being self sufficient, giving other responders the opportunity to help others. You must be aware that to enter a shelter with your medication you must have identification papers, and you may only bring in prescription medication with your name on the bottle. (Hence having copies of your Identification in your kit) In regards to children and their medications, special accommodations may be made if they don't have an identification card. You may also be able to pick up identification cards for children from a number of sources, such as schools, police departments, or other service agencies.

COMFORT ITEMS - Boredom may be a problem when you must leave your home, comfort items and games are a very important part of your kit. Playing cards, puzzles, crossword puzzles, and other small games may be advisable. If you have children you will want to consider their comfort, games, toys, and stuffed animals are important as well.

SHELTER IN PLACE SUPPLIES - If you are requested to shelter in place, you will need duct tape and plastic. You will need to consider how much you need in consideration to the room size you are planning to use. These materials may also be handy if you need them for other reasons.

OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS

Matches
Can Opener
Garbage Bags
Zip-Top Bags
Aluminum Foil
Pens/Pencils/Paper

Proper Disaster Supplies kits require careful consideration and planning, if you follow these basic guidelines you will be far more prepared than you were if you did not have a kit at all. We encourage everyone to develop their kit as they see fit. You may also want to consider a smaller kit for your car, especially in the wintertime. \

If you require further information please call ABC Emergency Management or email abcem@abcem.net