Disaster Preparedness: Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Between 2017 and 2023, the U.S. experienced 137 billion-dollar disasters, resulting in over 5,500 deaths and more than $1 trillion in damages.  Given these trends, as detailed in the Fifth U.S. National Climate Assessment (2023), it's clear that such disasters aren't going anywhere.   When a disaster strikes, it’s too late to think about what you should have packed to weather the storm, and before disaster strikes, it can be daunting to know what to include. All-inclusive kits are expensive and don’t necessarily include items specific to you and your family. Since everyone is at risk, we should all have a plan.

Prepare for any emergency by building a disaster kit with items you likely already have at home. Here's a quick guide to get you started, along with resources for further planning.

Water

• One gallon per person per day for three days
• Store in airtight plastic containers for easy access
  
  

Food

• Three-day supply of non-perishable foods
• Check out Camping Cooks' emergency food guide for tips on Eating and Cooking When the Power Goes Out
• Remember to include pet food
  
  

First Aid
In an emergency, injuries may occur. A well-stocked First Aid kit can prevent minor injuries from becoming major issues. You may want to take a basic first aid class though the Red Cross or online through the National Safety Council.

Basic First Aid Items in Your Kit:

• Sterile gloves
• Sterile dressings
• Soap and antibiotic towelettes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes
• Eye wash solution
• Thermometer
• Prescription medications you take every day
• Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies
• First Aid book
• Non-prescription drugs (aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid, laxative)​

Sanitation
Adequate sanitation is a significant environmental concern after a disaster. When sewer pipes are damaged or the sanitation system goes off-line, entire communities, including people and habitats are at risk. Be prepared to take care of your waste for the same period of time as you’ve prepared food and water. A basic sanitation kit should include:

• Toilet paper
• Soap
• Feminine supplies
• Plastic garbage bags & ties
• Plastic bucket with tight lid
• Chlorine bleach
• Supplies for pet waste

Tools & Supplies
What you need can vary greatly based on where you live, the type of disaster you expect and your family unit. Talk with your family about items they wouldn’t want to be without in an emergency. Here are some basic items that most people will need in a disaster:

• Wrench to turn off gas and water lines
• Cups, plates and utensils (raid your camping gear to save money -- just don’t forget to replace them after each trip)
• Light source (solar is best so you don’t have to worry about batteries)
• Radio (get one that is USB powered and check out our Solar Charger & Battery Bank or buy a battery-operated radio and extra batteries)
• Manual can opener or a utility knife
• Small fire extinguisher
• Pliers
• Duct tape
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Plastic storage container to keep everything in one place 

Documents
In preparation, scan valuable documents and store them securely online so they can’t be ruined by a disaster. It may be helpful to have copies of key items (like insurance cards, social security number, passwords and insurance policies) in your kit as well. Take short videos to catalogue valuables in your home, such as vehicles, computers, furniture and artwork, for insurance purposes. Key documents include:

• Will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds
• Passports, social security cards, immunization records
• Bank account numbers
• Credit card account numbers and companies
• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) 

Finally, being disaster-ready requires additional accommodations for older adults. Visit the National Council on Aging's website for more resources for older adults. 

Sources: Ready America, California Department of Public Health, American Red Cross, Make a Plan ​

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