How to put together a Disaster Supply Kit

You should keep the supplies in an easy to carry container such as a large covered trash can, camping backpack or a duffel bag. 

Water

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.  Avoid using containers that will dcompose or break,  Such as milk cartons or glass bottles.  A normally activce person need at least two  quarts of water each day.  Hot enviroments and intense physical activity can double that amount.  Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need more. 

Store one gallon of water person per day ( Two quarts for drinking, two for food preparation and sanitation)

Keep at least a three day supply of water for each person in your household.  Also keep a supply of water purifying agents in the kit. 

Food

Store at least a three day supply of non perishable food.  Select foods tha require no refridgeration,  cooking or preparation.  Don't forget to pack a can opener.

Milk - powdered or canned

Canned Meats,  Fruits and vegtables

Soups, bouillon cubes or dried "soups in a cup"

Smoked or dried meats

High energy foods, peanut butter and jelly, crackers, nuts, health food bars, trail mix and vitamins

Staples are sugar, salt and pepper

Stress foods, cookies, hard candy sweetned cereals

First Aid Kit

You should have at least two first kits -- one for your home and one for each car you drive,  A basic first aid kit should include:

Sterile adhesive bandages

3 in. sterile gauze pads (8 to 12)

2 in. sterile gauze pads (8 to 12)

Traiangular bandages (3)

2 in. Sterile roller bandages (3)

moist towelettes (8 to 10)

None prescription pain relievers

Needle

Bar of soap (antibacteriale)

Adhesive tape

Scissors

Tweezers

Safety razor blade

Thermometer

Tongue depressor

Petroleum Jelly

Safty Pins

Latex Gloves

Anti diarrhea medication

Antacids

Laxativces

Rubbling Alcohol

Peroxide

Sunscreen

Antiseptic Spray

Bug Spray

Clothing and Bedding

Include at least one change of clothing and footwear  per person, as well as these items:

Sturdy shoes or work boots

Rain Gear

Blankets or Sleeping Bags

Hats and gloves

Thermal Underwear

Sunglasses

Tools and Sujpplies

Cups, Plates and plastic untensils

Battery opperated Radio with extra batteries

Cash and change

Flash light and extra batteries

Utitlity Knife

Pliers

Tape

Compass

Matchess in waterproof container

Aluminum Foil

Copies of important family documents should be packed in a water proof, portible container.  These papers include:

Wills, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds

Passports, social security cards, immunization records

Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers

Family Recods (birth, marriage certificates)

Store them in a conveniant place known to all family members.  Keep a smaller version in the trunk of your car excluding family documents Keep them plastic bags.  Stored water should be changed every six months.  and food should be rotated every six months.  Rethink your kit and family needs every year and replace batteries, update clothes etc.  Don't forget to include prescription medications.  Ask you pharmist about or doctor about storing prescriptions. 

You can use the water from your hotwater tank at home.  That is about 30 to 50 gallons of water or more. 

If you need to purify your water bring it to a rolling boil for 5 min..  If you can't boil the water use this formula to purify it with 5 to 6 % liqud clorine bleach.  Avoid using bleach with additives.  Let water stand 30 min before using.  60 min. if the water is cloudy. 

If you are stranded in the middle of nowhere do not drink water that is standing always drink it if it is running from a creek or a water fall.