Step 2 - Build a Kit

Prepare for disasters before they strike

Be Red Cross Ready

There are several basics you should stock in a kit for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, non-prescription drugs, prescription drugs, tools and emergency supplies, sanitation items,clothing and bedding, special items and important family documents. If you don't want to build a kit, the American Red Cross has kits for sale. Visit the Red Cross store.

Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Below is a comprehensive list of what should be included in your kit – recommended items are marked with an asterisk(*). Possible containers include a large, covered trash container, a camping backpack, or a duffle bag.

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.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:

Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juices
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit

Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
5" x 9" sterile dressing.
conforming roller gauze bandage.
triangular bandages.
3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
roll 3" cohesive bandage.
germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
(6) antiseptic wipes.
pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
Adhesive tape, 2" width.
Anti-bacterial ointment.
Cold pack.
Scissors (small, personal).
Tweezers.
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.
Pet First Aid Kit

Non-Prescription Drugs

Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center )
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center )

Tools & Emergency Supplies

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
Emergency preparedness manual*
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
Flashlight and extra batteries*
Cash or traveler's checks, change*
Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes*
Soap, liquid detergent*
Feminine supplies*
Personal hygiene items*
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach

Clothing & Bedding

*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

Sturdy shoes or work boots*
Rain gear*
Blankets or sleeping bags*
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses

Special Items & Important Family Documents

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

For Baby*

Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medication

For Adults*

Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses

Entertainment

Games and books

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

Wills
Insurance policies
Contracts deeds
Stocks and bonds
Passports
Social security cards
Immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods
Important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)

Pets

Don't forget to plan for you pets. Learn how.

Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.

Next Step

Step 3 - Get Trained/Be Informed