Emergency Supply Kits - Are You Ready?

The Office of Emergency Management recommends preparing the following disaster supply kits to have on hand in the event of an earthquake or other major disaster: A "grab and go" kit that can be kept at home and at work, a household disaster supply kit with larger items, and a car disaster supply kit.

Below are some of the basics things that should be in disaster kits. 

A personal/office disaster supply kit should include:

- Medications, a first-aid kit and doctors' names and contact information

- Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, and a blanket

- Cash (ATMs won't work if the power goes out)

- Flashlight, extra batteries and light bulbs

- Bottled water

- Snack foods high in water and calories (FEMA suggests items like protein bars and dried fruit)

A household disaster supply kit should hold include:

- Water (a minimum of one gallon per person or pet per day, for at least seven days)

- Canned or packaged food, and a can opener

- A portable or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries

- Comfortable, warm clothing

- Blankets or sleeping bags

- Copies of vital documents such as insurance, bank account information

- Flashlights

- Pet food, if needed

A car disaster supply kit should include:

- The most necessary items from your personal disaster supply kit

- An additional six-pack of water

- A tire repair kit, jumper cables, flares

- Seasonal supplies like blankets, hats and mittens for the winter and sunscreen and hats for the summer.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment’s notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them.

You may need to survive on your own after an emergency. This means having your own food, water and other supplies in sufficient quantity to last for at least 72 hours. Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster but they cannot reach everyone immediately. You could get help in hours or it might take days.

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days or even a week, or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.