American Red Cross Family Disaster
Supplies Kit
These contents can be assembled over a five month period on a weekly basis and
perishable items should be changed or replaced every six months.
For more information on assembling and refreshing
supplies, contact the American Red Cross for their
Disaster Supplies kit brochure.
Print Out This List And Keep It Handy!
Essentials: |
Battery-operated radio |
Flashlight |
Extra batteries |
Do not include candles, which cause more
fires after a disaster than anything else |
Water: |
3 gallons/person, minimum, in a food-grade,
plastic container |
Additional water for sanitation |
Food:
Minimum 3-day supply of non-perishable food that requires no refrigeration
or preparation and little or no water.
Dry cereal |
Peanut butter |
Canned fruits |
Canned vegetables |
Canned juice |
Ready-to-eat canned meats |
Ready-to-eat soups (not concentrated) |
Quick energy snacks, graham crackers |
|
First Aid Kit:
(one for your home and one for each car)
Scissors |
Sunscreen |
Thermometer |
Tweezers |
Needle |
Cleansing agent/soap |
Latex gloves (2 pairs) |
Tongue blades (2) |
Moistened towelettes |
Assorted sizes of safety pins |
2" sterile gauze pads (4-6) |
4" sterile gauze pads (4-6) |
2" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) |
3" sterile roller bandages (3 rolls) |
Triangular bandages (3) |
Tube of petroleum jelly or other
lubricant |
Sterile adhesive bandages in
assorted sizes |
|
Non-Prescription Drugs:
Laxative |
Anti-diarrhea medication |
Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever |
Antacid (for stomach upset) |
Activated Charcoal (use if advised by the
Poison Control Center) |
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if
advised by the Poison Control Center) |
|
Tools and Supplies:
Whistle |
Aluminum foil |
Crowbar |
Compass |
Paper, pencil |
Plastic sheeting |
Medicine dropper |
Needles, thread |
Signal flare |
Matches in a waterproof container |
Assorted nails, wood screws |
Pliers, screwdriver, hammer |
Plastic storage containers |
Heavy cotton or hemp rope |
Cash or traveler's checks, change |
Map of the area (for locating shelters) |
Non-electric can opener, utility knife |
Mess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic
utensils |
Tape, duct and plumber's tape or strap iron |
Patch kit and can of seal-in-air for tires |
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas
and water |
|
Sanitation:
Disinfectant |
Household chlorine bleach |
Soap, liquid detergent |
Personal hygiene items |
Feminine supplies |
Plastic bucket with tight lid |
Toilet paper, towelettes, paper towels |
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal
sanitation uses) |
|
Clothing and Bedding:
Sunglasses |
Rain gear |
Hat and gloves |
Sturdy shoes or work boots |
Blankets or sleeping bags |
Thermal underwear |
One complete change of clothing and footwear
per person |
|
For Baby:
Formula |
Diapers |
Bottles |
Medication |
Powdered milk |
|
For Pets:
Food |
Leash, harness or carrier |
Records of vaccinations |
Non-tippable food and water containers |
|
Important Family Documents: |
Important telephone numbers
Record of bank account numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Inventory of valuable household goods
Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
Record of credit card account numbers and companies
Copy of passports, social security cards, immunization records |
Family Medical Needs:
Insulin |
Prescription drugs |
Denture needs |
Extra eye glasses |
Contact lenses and supplies |
Heart and high blood pressure medication |
|
Entertainment: |
Games and books |
Content was contributed by the American Red Cross.
Home
|