Emergency Supply Kits

A disaster of any kind may interfere with normal supplies of food, water, heat and day to day necessities. It is important to keep a stock of emergency supplies on hand sufficient to meet your needs for 72 hours (three days). Although you may not be directly in an area impacted by a natural disaster or terrorist event, utilities and other services may be affected.

Prepare

In an emergency, our first responders (fire, police and public works personnel) will be focusing on treating those who are injured or may need to be evacuated and it may take some time to restore power or other services to you and your family. That is why an emergency supply kit is essential so that you and your family can take care of yourselves for a three day period of time. It is not expected that disruptions would be that long; however, having the necessary supplies will ensure that you are cared for and our emergency workers can focus on those most in need.

Options

If you are forced to remain in your home during a natural disaster or other event, adequate supplies could help you live through a period of danger without hardship. If you are directed to evacuate instead of sheltering-in-place, the emergency kit can be taken with you and used to ease the transition to a shelter.

Maintenance

It is advisable to update your kit regularly. You should replace the water supply and any food that may have reached its use-by or expiration date. An easy way to remind oneself to update your kit is to use Daylight Savings Time. When you change your clocks, you should change your kit. It is also a good time to change the batteries in your home smoke detectors.

Items

An emergency supply kit should include the following:

A battery powered radio and flashlight, with extra batteries for each
A blanket for each member of the family
A can opener
A fire extinguisher
A first aid kit
A hammer, wrench and pliers
A list of prescription medication to take
A pocket knife
An extra set of car keys
As much drinkable fruit juice, soft drinks etc. that can be stored
Bleach
Bottled drinking water, one gallon per person per day
Canned or sealed packaged foods that do not need refrigeration or heating
Carrier or cage
Disposable diapers
Food and water
Hand lotion

Identification collar and rabies tag
If you have pets, include the following items in your kit:
Leash
List of family physicians and phone numbers
Matches
Medications
Newspaper, litter, trash bags for waste
Non-prescription drugs, including mild pain relievers and antiseptic
One change of clothing and footwear per person
Paper cups
Paper towels and toilet paper
Pre-cut and uncut plastic bags
Soap and towels
Tape
Veterinary record (necessary if your pet has to go to a shelter)
Writing materials to take notes from authorities