Emergency Kit Guidelines

Health Supplies

Purchase a medium-size plastic storage tub (or one that you think will be large enough for your needs) with a snap-in-place (locking) lid. Arrange all first-aid items in this tub: bandages of all sizes, Ace bandage, Neosporin, gauze, cotton balls, needle and thread, alcohol, witch hazel or hydrogen peroxide, two small towels or washcloths, eye wash, eye drops, tape, medical tape and burn cream. Make sure there is room to add prescription medications. If you are an insulin user, make sure there is enough room to pack the insulin supplies on top of the box at the last minute. Add a flashlight and extra batteries. The batteries should be used and replaced every six months, to ensure the batteries in the kit are fresh.

Make a "bed bundle" by spreading out a sheet and stacking the following on the sheet: set of sheets and a blanket for each member of the family, a bath towel for each member of the family and, if you require them, small pillows. Gather and tie the corners of the sheet together.

Purchase one or two larger plastic tubs with locking lids. These will be used for food, so if you cannot lift a large one filled with food stuffs, purchase three or four medium tubs. Pack canned goods and dry goods in the tubs. Good examples are canned soups, crackers, canned fruit, tuna fish, Spam, canned ham, canned chicken, cereal (pick one you can eat dry), granola bars---things you do not need to cook to eat. Pack enough food to last the family for four to five days. Always check the expiration dates on anything you pack into the tubs. The expiration date should be at least 18 months from the date you purchase the foodstuffs. Rotate the foodstuffs each year. Add paper plates, plastic dinnerware and a can opener.

Create an emergency pet box. Choose one box to accommodate all pet supplies. If you have a large pet, you may need a larger tub. Pack enough food for the animal for four to five days: kibble, canned food, food bowls, water bowls, treats, an extra collar and an extra leash.