Disaster Preparedness Guide: Assembling Your Disaster Survival Kits

Because you never know when you will be faced with a disaster, it is important to be organized and adequately prepared to survive all emergency situations. Every disaster is different and during a major event, you may have to evacuate or shelter in place, depending on where you live. If there is a code red or terrorist alert, your local authorities will announce instructions via radio and television broadcasts.

During most disaster events, basic utility services may be cut off for days, or even weeks. In case you have to evacuate at a moment's notice, you will need to take your essentials with you. You probably will not have the opportunity to shop for the supplies you need after the event so you must, prepare in advance, for any emergency you might experience. The following tips will assist you in assembling your home, car and workplace Disaster Survival Kits.

Assembling Survival Supply Kits

You should assemble your own food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least a minimum of three days. Even though officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, they may not be able to reach everyone immediately. If a major disaster is expected, you may need to be prepared to provide for your family's needs for several weeks. Your disaster kits are collections of basic items and should be customized to meet your individual needs. Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work, and vehicles. Keep in mind that you may need to evacuate suddenly when packing the kits. Duffel bags and back packs are very handy but plastic bins are water-proof and sturdy.

Your Home Disaster Kit

Your disaster supply kit should contain essential food, water, medical, pet and sheltering-in supplies. Also remember to include personal hygiene items, changes of clothing, bedding supplies, extra money and copies of important papers. If you have children or senior family members, you will need to customize your kits to meet their special dietary and personal needs. Store all items in portable, water-proof plastic containers in a designated place and make sure all family members know where the containers are kept.

Your Work Disaster Kit

Your work kit should be an easy to grab backpack type container in case you have to evacuate from your workplace quickly. Make sure you have food, water and medical supplies in the kit. Also, include com­fortable walking shoes in case you have to evacuate and walk long distances.

Your Auto Disaster Kit

In case you are traveling in your auto when a disaster strikes, you may be stranded without any notice. You should be prepared with a kit of emer­gency supplies in your car. This kit should contain food, water, first aid supplies, flares, jumper cables, and seasonal supplies such as cold weather clothes, hats and blankets. Make sure you have an evacuation map, extra money and any medications you regularly take in the kit.

Maintain Adequate Water Supplies

You should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. A normally active person needs at least one-half gallon of water daily just for drinking. In determining adequate quantities you need to take into consideration individual needs. The water needs for each person will vary depending on age, diet, climate and physical condition. Nursing mothers, young children and sick people may need more water. If you live in a warm climate, you need to double the normal amount of water needed. Medical emergencies will, also, require additional water.

Personalize Your Food Supplies

When putting together your food supply, stock up on canned foods, dry mixes and staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking or special preparations. You will need to include a manual can opener, paper towels, wet wipes and paper plates/silverware. Customize your food supply to your family's taste and special dietary needs. Remember not to include foods that will make you thirsty. Choose low salt foods, canned goods with high liquid content and whole grain cereals/crackers. Keeping your food in plastic containers extends the shelf life and protects them from bugs. Make sure you throw out any canned goods showing signs of expiration. An easy way to make sure you use your food supply before expiration dates is to replace all foods every January and July with a fresh supply. Re-evaluate your kits and update them as your family needs change. The best way to store items is in sealed plastic bags placed in duffel bags or back packs. This makes it easier to carry your kits in case you need to evacuate on short notice.

Now that you have assembled your disaster survival kits, you can enjoy the peace of mind in knowing you are prepared to take care of your family during any emergency. For a more detailed supply list, please see the resource links listed below