Prepare
an at-home
emergency kit
PREPARE YOUR FAMILY for emergency disasters such as blackouts, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and winter storms by taking a few
minutes to put together an at-home emergency kit. By keeping these American
Red Cross–recommended items in an easy-to-carry container, you can have the
security of knowing that your family will be ready for almost any emergency.
Food and water
Keep a three-day supply of food and water per family member. Calculate
at least one gallon of water per person each day. Water can easily be stored in
plastic soft-drink bottles. Make sure food items are nonperishable. Include
canned meats, fruits and vegetables that require little to no preparation. Don’t
forget a nonelectric can opener.
First-aid kit
A well-stocked first-aid kit is a must for your disaster kit. Include adhesive
bandages, gauze pads, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, adhesive tape, antibacterial ointment, cold packs, scissors and tweezers. Pain relievers and other
over-the-counter medicines are also smart to stock in your kit. Make sure to
store extra prescription medicine for family members with specific health
concerns such as asthma or diabetes.
Battery-operated lights and radios
A battery-operated lantern or flashlight can shine a little light on any emergency situation. Consider lanterns with energy-efficient compact fluorescent
bulbs, which provide a bright ambient light sure to comfort those scared of
the dark. Battery-operated radios allow you to easily tune in to the latest emergency information for your community. And pack plenty of extra batteries.
Necessities
Toilet paper, soap, plastic bags and household disinfectants allow you to
keep conditions sanitary, and extra clothing and bedding will keep you comfortable and warm. Other helpful items include basic tools (wrench, pliers,
utility knife), compass, whistle, signal flare, area map and fire extinguisher. A
Essential
safety tips
Make a plan. Communication is
key. Get together with family members
and outline evacuation routes and
communication plans to stay connected
during an emergency. Practice makes
perfect; routinely revisit these skills to
stay sharp.
Get a kit. Prepare a comprehensive
emergency kit for your home as well as
a small kit for each of your family vehicles. Don’t forget to check your kit every
six months to refresh supplies and
replace batteries.
Be informed. Read up on commu-nity-specific emergency action plans
and keep a list of local emergency contacts. Contact your local American Red
Cross branch to request informational
materials and learn about first aid and
CPR training.
Source: American Red Cross
Create an at-home emergency
kit by gathering common household
items such as water, nonperishable
food, battery-operated lights and
other supplies in a convenient,
portable duffel bag.
