Emergency situations can arise at any time that may cause you to have to leave your home quickly. Having a disaster safety kit can help you be better prepared and to lessen the impact of any disaster on your family. There are six basic items that should be present in every disaster safety kit.
Keep at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person in the disaster kit suitable for your climate. Consider including extra blankets or a sleeping bag to help keep warm if living in a colder climate.
Include a first-aid kit with the following items:
Keep at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food in your disaster kit. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking. If you have young children, consider adding a couple of their favorite non-perishable snacks as comfort food. Replace stored food every six months.
Some tools and additional emergency supplies that you might want to include in a disaster kit would be:
Store extra water in clean, sealed containers such as polyethylene (PET) bottles or glass. Keep at least a three day supply of water per person, or about three gallons (two quarts will be for drinking and two quarts for food preparation and sanitation needs). If you have pets, be sure to include extra water for them.
Keep a 3-day supply of prescription medication on hand for any family members who need them. Families with young children may need to pack include diapers or formula in their kit. Also keep a copy of any important records in a waterproof, portable container, such as wills, insurance policies, deeds and other important legal documents; bank/credit card account numbers; family records (birth, marriage, death certificates; or important telephone numbers.
Store the items that you've chosen for your disaster kit in a container that is easy to locate and carry. If the storage container isn't waterproof, place individual items in sealed plastic bags. Check the contents of your kit every six months and replace items as needed.
For additional information, please visit Disaster Readiness Tips or contact NSF (info@nsf.org).
