Emergency Preparedness Checklist

Most experts suggest that everyone should be prepared to be self-sufficient for up to 72 hours following an emergency. Pack your emergency items in one location, preferably in a large duffel bag or plastic garbage can. Be sure your items are stored so that they can be gotten to in the event your house is destroyed. Label all perishable items with a date of purchase and expiration date. Mark your calendar to check your emergency kit once a year. Be sure everyone in your family knows the location and contents of the emergency kit.

THE BASIC SURVIVAL KIT

Water: One gallon per person per day. A water purification system (filter with built- in iodine resin treatment) or water filter plus iodine or chlorine treatment will serve the water needs providing unpotable water is available to treat. Services recommend that you also treat and store a supply of potable water in air-tight containers for your family. A family of 4 should store 6 gallons for a 3 day supply. Replace the water supply every 12 months.

First aid kit: stocked with basic supplies and fresh medications. Restock medications every 12 months.

Canned or freeze dried food. Non thirst- inducing emergency bars.

Hand operated can opener (an electrical can opener won't be much good).

Portable battery operated radio. A radio will be your best source of information.

Spare batteries for the radio.

Spare glasses.

Emergency supply of prescription medications. Restock every 12 months to keep fresh.

Fire extinguisher, ABC type.

Flashlight with fresh and spare batteries and bulb.

Food for pets.

Money. Most ATM machines will be down.

Hand wound watch or clock.

5-gallon bucket (this will allow you to obtain unpotable water easily for treating).

Garden hose (for siphoning water if needed or even fuel for cooking if things get really desperate).

Emergency "heat reflective" Space blankets.

SAFETY AND COMFORT

Sturdy work shoes

Heavy work gloves

Waterproof matches

Change of clothes (preferably sturdy work-type clothing).

Pocket knife

A family style tent.

Hat. One that provides protection from the sun, rain, or cold.

Pen and paper.

Deck of card and toys for children.

Pillows.

Sleeping bags or warm blankets.

Waterproof rainwear.

One quart canteens for drinking water.

Lantern (gas, propane or battery powered). Be sure to have plenty of fuel or extra batteries.

SANITATION

Large plastic garbage bags.

Camp suds (for shampoo, body cleansing, dish cleaning).

Household bleach.

Toothpaste and toothbrushes.

Pre-moistened towelettes.

Deodorant.

Feminine hygiene and supplies.

Infant supplies.

Toilet paper.

Powdered, chlorinated lime. Added to sewage this deodorizes, disinfects, and keeps insects away.

Newspaper to wrap garbage and waste.

COOKING

Camp stove (two burner), barbecue, hibachi, etc.

Fuel for cooking equipment (enough for 5 days of cooking needs).

Picnic supplies (paper plates, paper towels, plastic utensils).

Large plastic mugs for hot or cold liquids.

Heavy duty aluminum foil.

TOOLS AND MISC. SUPPLIES

Ax, shovel, broom.

Screwdriver (flathead and phillips), wrench.

Pliers

Hammers

100 feet of parachute cord.

Duct tape.

Plastic sheeting.

Coil of bailing wire.

Large plastic garbage can.