Red Cross Suggests Natural Disaster Supply Checklist

The American Red Cross suggests that all households should create and maintain a survival stash of necessity items in case of natural disasters (be it hurricane, tsunami, flood, tornado , blizzard or something else). The time to assemble such a kit is not when the storm is on its way -- stores are too busy then, and most necessity items aren't easily found -- it's when there is no threat at all. The survival kits are made of basic items, and should be kept in easy to carry storage bins.

WATER--1 gallon of water per person for a minimum of 3 days. Be sure to purify the water before using. This can be done by boiling, water purification tablets (found in most pharmacies), or by using household bleach. Change your stored supply every 6 months to maintain its freshness when it comes time to use it.

FOOD--Select a variety of items that don't require refrigeration, cooking and little or no water. Keep a 3 day supply for each person in your household. Recommended items can include: can fruit, tuna fish, sugar, salt, soup, can milk, peanut butter, vitamins, hard candy, special foods for infants or elderly, extra pet food, and instant coffee or tea. Stored food should be rotated every 6 months as well.

FIRST AID--Items other than those listed here may be desirable depending on your family situation, but here are some general suggestions: scissors, tweezers, needle, thermometer, sunscreen, latex gloves, petroleum jelly (or other lubricant), gauze pads, band aids, antiseptic, and soap. Some medication suggestions are aspirin, anti-diarrhea, antacid, and laxative.

TOOLS--These may come in handy when there is no electricity: battery operated television and/or radio, non-electric can opener (to open the foods you have stored), matches in a waterproof container, compass, signal flare, whistle, flashlight with extra batteries, and a fire extinguisher.

CLOTHING--It would be helpful to have at least one complete change of clothes for each family member, including closed toe shoes or work boots, rain gear, sunglasses, and blankets/sleeping bags. Sizes may need to be updated periodically, especially for young family members who grow rapidly.

When assembling your family's disaster kit, be sure to take into special consideration needs of those who are elderly or very young, including diapers, formula, medications, eye glasses, etc. It also does not hurt to have a copy (not the original) of important documents on hand, such as a will, passport, deed, birth certificates, and bank account information. If possible, make a smaller version of this kit to keep in each vehicle and be sure that all family members know where both kits are kept.