The Home Disaster Kit

In addition to having a home disaster plan, one of the best things you can do for your family is put together a home disaster kit.  In this kit, place food, water, and other supplies that you will need to make it on your own for at least 3 days.  While we all enjoy our comforts, first think about the essentials.  Food, fresh water, clean air, and essential medications should be your priority.  Your kit should be assembled in an easy to store and carry container.  In fact, consider putting together 2 kits: one to be used if you are staying in place, and another, lighter version that you can grab and go in the event that you evacuate your home.

Here are building blocks for a good home disaster kit:

Food – Store food that will not go bad and that your family will eat.  Include a variety of food items such as protein bars, canned fruit and juices, dry cereals, peanut butter and baby food.  Remember to pack related items such as a manual can opener, paper cups and plates, and eating utensils.  Again, you want enough food on hand to feed you and your family for 3 days.

Water – Store at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.  For example, a family of 3 should store at least 9 gallons of water (3 people X 1 gallon per person X 3 days).  In fact, here in West Texas where hot weather is so prevalent, consider storing even more water per person.

Basic Supplies - Your kit should include some basic supplies including:

 Flashlight
 
 Battery powered radio (NOAA Weather or All – Hazards Radio would be a great addition)
 
 Batteries
 
 First aid kit
 
 Utility knife
 
 Local map
 
 Toilet paper
 
 Feminine hygiene products
 
 Face masks (paper painter’s masks at a minimum)
 
 Soap
 
 Sanitation supplies
 
 Garbage bags
 
 Plastic sheeting
 
 Duct tape
 
 Extra cash
 
 Picture identification
 
 

Warmth - Include a change of clothing and sturdy shoes for each person and a blanket and jacket for each person.  Space permitting, consider storing a sleeping bag for each person. 

Special Items - Most families have unique needs.  Pack diapers, baby formula, baby bottles, prescription medicines, pet food, books, pens, paper, decks of cards or other entertainment items as they apply to your family.

Regularly rotate the items that have a limited shelf life such as the prescriptions, batteries, water, and food.

Do you have pets?  Don’t forget about them! 

For more comprehensive information on building your family disaster kit, download a copy of the American Red Cross Home Disaster Kit pamphlet here http://www.redcross.org/