Assembling and Storing a Disaster Supply Kit
You can cope best by preparing for disaster before it strikes. One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supply Kit. After disaster strikes, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But if you've gathered supplies in advance, you and your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.
Storing Emergency Supplies. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Try to store everything in 1 or 2 containers, such as small unused garbage cans, camping backpacks or duffel bags. Keep the kit in a cool dry place, such as a closet or cabinet. If space is tight, consider storing it on top of kitchen cabinets, under a bed or in a corner.
Supplies should last for at least 3 days. You should be able to get to your kit quickly in case of evacuation. Consider keeping extra supplies in the event of a longer stay at home. The kit should include:
Water. Having enough water is a top priority.
- Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day (at least 3 gallons per person). In the summer, you may need more.
- Change stored water every 6 months so it stays fresh.
- Store water in clean plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Don't use glass or other breakable containers.
- If you purchase bottled water, keep it in the original, sealed container. Observe the "use by" date.
- If you choose to use your own storage
containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles--
not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had
milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sugars
cannot be adequately removed from these containers and
provide an environment for bacterial growth when water
is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily
and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids.
Also, do not use glass containers, because they can
break and are heavy.
- Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap
and water, and rinse completely so there is no
residual soap.
- Sanitize the bottles by adding a solution of
1 teaspoon of non-scented liquid household
chlorine bleach to a quart of water. Swish the
sanitizing solution in the bottle so that it
touches all surfaces. After sanitizing the
bottle, thoroughly rinse out the sanitizing
solution with clean water.
- Fill the bottle to the top with regular tap water.
If the tap water has been commercially treated from
a water utility with chlorine, you do not need to add
anything else to keep it clean. If the water you
are using comes from a well or water source that
is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of
non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach
to the water.
- Tightly close the container using the original cap. Be careful not to contaminate the cap by touching the inside of it with your finger. Place a date on the outside of the container so that you know when you filled it. Store in a cool, dark place.
- Thoroughly clean the bottles with dishwashing soap
and water, and rinse completely so there is no
residual soap.
Food. Rotate stored food with your regular supply, so your emergency supply stays fresh. Stock familiar foods that need no refrigeration or cooking and little or no water to prepare, such as:
- ready-to-eat or canned meats, fruits and vegatables
- canned milk and juices
- peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, crackers and other high energy foods
- formula or baby food if you have an infant
- pet food and additional water for any pets.
Tools and other supplies:
- non-electric can opener
- cups, plates and utinsels
- all-purpose knife
- aluminum foil and plastic wrap
- resealing plastic bags
- flashlight and extra batteries
- battery powered radio and extra batteries
- matches in a waterproof container
- fire extinguisher
- plastic sheeting and duct tape
- pliers and wrench for shutting off gas and water
- scissors
- whistle
- compass and local map
- paper and pencils
- blankets and/or sleeping bags
- change of clothes matching the season
- sturdy shoes or boots
- rain gear and/or outerwear matching the season
- emergency cash and coins
- first-aid kit
- important family documents
Hygiene supplies:
- soap and hand sanitizer
- toilet paper and paper towels
- garbage bags
- toothpaste and toothbrushes
- shampoo and deodorant
- feminie supplies
- diapers, if you have an infant
- disinfectant
- household chlorine bleach
Stock other items that would be necessary or comforting, such as playing cards or board games.
Page created and maintained by Vickie Hickman and Tift County CERT volunteers.
Last change: July 4, 2009
Copyright 2009, Vickie Hickman