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Emergency Management

Get a Kit

Food

Following a disaster there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. Store at least a three day supply of food that you family will eat and accommodates special dietary needs, such as infant formula. An easy way to build an emergency food supply at home is to simply buy more of the food items you use every day and organize those items on the shelf so that the oldest items are used first before they expire. This method is known as “first in first out.” Food supplies in your vehicle or “go-bag” should be snacks, such as dry nuts, granola, or hard candy, that will not be spoiled by the heat or cold.

Water

Following a disaster, clean drinking water may not be available. Your regular water source could be cut-off or compromised through contamination. Store at least one gallon (approximately 8 normal size bottles) of water per person per day for a minimum of three days, for drinking and sanitation.

If you have used all of your stored water and there are no other reliable clean water sources, it may become necessary to treat suspicious water. Treat all water of uncertain quality before using it for drinking, food washing or preparation, washing dishes, brushing teeth or making ice. In addition to having a bad odor and taste, contaminated water can contain microorganisms (germs) that cause diseases such as dysentery, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis.

There are many ways to treat water. Often the best solution is a combination of methods. Before treating, let any suspended particles settle to the bottom or strain them through coffee filters or layers of clean cloth. Boiling is the safest method of treating water. In a large pot or kettle, bring water to a rolling boil for one full minute, keeping in mind that some water will evaporate. Let the water cool before drinking. Boiled water will taste better if you put oxygen back into it by pouring the water back and forth between two clean containers. This also will improve the taste of stored water. You can also use household liquid bleach to kill microorganisms. Use only regular household liquid bleach that contains 5.25 to 6.0 percent sodium hypochlorite. Do not use scented bleaches, color safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners. Add 1/8 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, stir and let stand for 30 minutes. The water should have a slight bleach odor. If it doesn’t, then repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes. If it still does not smell of chlorine, discard it and find another source of water.

Emergency Supply Kit for the Home

A basic emergency supply kit for the home may include food & water stored in your pantry as well as a variety of specialized items that may be kept in a storm shelter location. The kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water (See topics above)
  • Food (See topics above)
  • Infant Formula (if your family includes infants)
  • Battery Powered AM/FM Radio with Extra Batteries
  • Flashlights with Extra Batteries
  • Cell Phone Portable Power Banks
  • Comprehensive First Aid Kit
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Sleeping Bags & Extra Blankets
  • Extra Hygiene Supplies
  • No Rinse Bathing Wipes (for bathing if water is limited)
  • Disinfecting Surface Wipes (for cleaning if water is limited)
  • Camping Toilet, Garbage Bags, and Plastic Ties (for emergency sanitation)
  • Toilet Paper, Feminine Supplies, and Diapers (if your family includes infants)
  • Whistle (to signal for help in a collapse)
  • Dust Masks
  • Wrench or Pliers (to turn off utilities)
  • Manual Can Opener
  • Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape (for Sheltering-in-Place)
  • Waterproof Matches
  • Camping Mess Kit for Outdoor Cooking
  • Paper Plates, Cups, Disposable Utensils, and Paper Towels (to eliminate dishes if water is limited)
  • Books, Games, or Puzzles (for entertainment while the power is out)
  • Pet Food & Supplies

An emergency supply kit at home should also include a “go-bag” that can be grabbed if you must evacuate quickly. A “go-bag” should be relatively lightweight, easy to carry, and be kept in a location that is easily accessible. Consider having a “go-bag” for each member of the household to accommodate their individual items. Consider an additional “go-bag” with pet care items and leashes if you have pets. A “go-bag” could include the following recommended items:

  • Snacks and a Small Amount of Bottled Water
  • Small Battery Powered AM/FM Radio with Extra Batteries
  • Flashlights with Extra Batteries
  • Cell Phone Chargers (including Portable Power Banks and/or Car Chargers)
  • Small First Aid Kit
  • Extra Set of Clothing
  • Jacket, Hat, & Gloves
  • Rain Poncho
  • Sturdy Pair of Shoes
  • Blanket
  • Prescription Medications (one week supply)
  • No Rinse Bathing Wipes
  • Personal Hygiene Items
  • Extra Pair of Glasses or Hearing Aids
  • Whistle (to signal for help)
  • Pocketknife or Multi-Tool
  • Waterproof Matches
  • Notebook and Pens
  • Local & State Maps
  • Cash
  • Spare Car and House Keys
  • Copies of your Family Communications Plan
  • Copies of Important Documents (such as identification, passports, insurance policies, bank & credit card numbers, prescriptions, etc.)
  • Recent Family Photo with Pets (for identification or missing family members)

Emergency Supply Kit for the Vehicle

An emergency may occur while you are in your vehicle or you may be stranded by disasters, such as a winter storm or blizzard. An emergency supplies kit should be kept in your vehicle at all times. Additionally, a vehicles fuel tank should be kept at least half full at all times to ensure you have enough fuel to evacuate, stay warm if stranded, or use a running vehicle to charge your cell phone. Note, a vehicle should never be left running in a garage or if the tailpipe is blocked by snow. The kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Snacks and Bottled Water
  • Flashlights with Extra Batteries
  • Cell Phone Car Charger
  • Comprehensive First Aid Kit
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Blankets, Hats, and Gloves
  • Rain Poncho
  • Extra Pairs of Sturdy Shoes or Boots
  • Reflective Safety Vest
  • Ice Scraper
  • Small Shovel
  • Sand or Cat Litter
  • Jumper Cables
  • Spare Tire & Jack
  • Basic Tool Kit
  • Brightly Colored Flag or Cloth to Signal for Help