Emergency Supplies Checklist
Being prepared in the event of a natural disaster can save you an endless amount of worry, fear and even heartache. If you are prepared, your family feels safe. If you live alone, you can take comfort in knowing that you can be self-reliant until help arrives.
Just to make this easy for you, so you don’t have to go searching around the Internet, The Care Company is providing the most basic list of the supplies you should have readily available in case of an emergency or natural disaster. Stocking up on supplies can add to your safety and comfort during and after a natural disaster. Store enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours.
Essentials
- Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable)
- Water purification kit
- First aid kit, freshly stocked
- First aid book – comes with many first aid kits, but check just in case it doesn’t
- Blankets or sleeping bags
- Portable radio
- Flashlight and spare batteries – get a high-powered flashlight with the brightest light
- Essential medications for all family members
- Copy of prescriptions in case you run out of medications
- Extra eyeglasses
- Extra set of house keys and car keys
- Cash and change
- Baby Supplies: formula, bottles, pacifier, soap and baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food, juice and a favorite toy.
- Pet Supplies: food, water, leash or carrier – anything else that your pet regularly uses
Sanitation Supplies
- Large plastic trash bags for waste
- Tarps and rain ponchos
- Bar of soap and laundry detergent
- Shampoo
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes – (one for each member of the family)
- Feminine hygiene supplies
- Toilet paper – several rolls
- Bleach
Safety and Comfort
- Sturdy shoes with strong soles
- Heavy gloves
- Candles and matches – (one large box of stick matches)
- Light sticks
- Change of clothing for each member of the family
- Knife
- Garden hose – in case of fire (Do not drink from the hose. If stranded, you must filter or boil the water.)
- Tent
- Communication kit: paper, pens, stamps
Cooking Supplies
- Plastic knives, forks and spoons
- Paper/plastic plates and cups
- Paper towels
- Aluminum foil – heavy duty
- Camping stove for outdoor cooking: Caution: before using make sure there are no gas leaks. Never use charcoal indoors!
- Tools and Supplies
- Axe, shovel, broom
- Adjustable wrench for turning off gas – (Be sure you know where the shut-off valve is located)
- Tool kit complete with screwdriver (regular and Phillips), pliers and a hammer
- Coil of ½ inch rope
- Industrial tape
- City map
