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Make
a Disaster Supply Kit
 A disaster
can happen at any time. You will need a disaster supply kit if
you and your family are confined to your home or need to
evacuate. Your kit can be big or small, depending on your needs.
A disaster supply kit should include items in five basic
areas: (1) water and food, (2) medications, personal hygiene and
first aid supplies, (3) clothing and bedding, (4) emergency
supplies and tools, and (5) important documents.
Make sure
that your items are in easy-to-carry containers or duffle bags
and stored in a handy place. Check and update your kit at least
once a year. This suggested checklist will help you
gather the basic supply items needed for you and your family,
including pets for 3 -5 days.
1.
Three – five day supply of water and food:
q
9 -15 gallons of
water per person or pet use.
q
Non-perishable
food, such as canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
q
Powdered milk and
canned juices
q
High-energy
snacks and comfort/stress
foods
q
Baby food and/ or
prepared formula
q
Food for
individuals with special diet needs
q
Food for Pets
q
Pet food and
water bowls
q
Pedialyte (to
restore hydration if needed)
q
Non-breakable
cups, plates and plastic utensils
q
Manual can opener
2.
Medications, personal hygiene and first aid supplies:
q
A week’s supply
of each person’s prescription medication
q
Aspirin or
non-aspirin pain
reliever
q
Anti-diarrhea
medication, antacid and laxative
q
Extra
prescription contact lenses, glasses, or sunglasses
q
Hygiene items -
shampoo, toothpastes, toothbrushes, denture items, soap,
deodorant, sanitary napkins, unscented household bleach, comb
and brush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, liquid detergent and
disposable “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case
bathing facilities are not available.
q
Baby diapers,
bottles, pacifiers and other supplies
q
Pet medications
(a week’s supply) and medical records stored in a waterproof
container
Recommended First Aid Supplies
q
Band-Aids in
assorted sizes
q
Sterile gauze
pads in assorted sizes
q
Clean gloves (at
least 2 pairs)
q
Antiseptic and
antibiotic ointment
q
Petroleum jelly
q
Assorted sizes of
safety
pins
q
Scissors,
tweezers, and thermometer
q
Sunscreen
q
Insect repellent
3.
Clothing and bedding supplies:
q
3 – 5 day change
of clothing and sturdy waterproof footwear per person
q
Blankets or
sleeping bags and pillows
q
Rain gear
q
Entertainment –
include games and books, favorite dolls and stuffed animals for
small children
4.
Emergency Supplies and Tools:
q
Cash or
traveler’s checks, coins
q
Map of the area
for locating shelters, other places you could go and their
telephone numbers
q
Car items:
flares, booster cables, tools, and etc.
q
An extra set of
keys for cars and any other properties owned
q
Battery-powered
or NOAA Weather radio, flashlight and extra batteries
q
Fire
extinguisher
q
Pliers and
shut-off wrench to turn off household water and/or gas
q
Plastic sheeting,
storage containers and bucket with tight lid
q
Plastic trash
bags and ties for sanitation
q
Tape (duct,
masking)
q
Candles and
Matches in a waterproof container
q
Paper, pencil
q
Aluminum foil
5.
Important documents that should be kept in a secured waterproof,
portable container:
q
Insurance
policies
q
Contracts and
deeds
q
Copies of birth
certificates, drivers’ license, and work ID card
q
Stocks and bonds
q
Social Security
cards and passports
q
Immunization
records and prescriptions
q
Bank account
numbers
q
Credit card
account numbers and company names and telephone numbers
q
Inventory of
valuable household goods ( include photos)
q
Family records
(birth, marriage, death certificates) and wills
q
Current
photographs of family members
Source of
Information:
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Harris County
Disclaimer
Last updated: August 04, 2008
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services
2223 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027
Tel: (713) 439-6000
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