Creating an Emergency Kit

Natural disasters strike without much warning. Here are some suggestions to put
together an emergency kit that will help you be prepared. Keep it in a handy
place and check it regularly. You can also keep a smaller version in your car. The list is a bit overwhelming, but start with whatever can and make a plan to add to it. Having something is better than being caught completely unprepared.

Don't forget to grab your purse, wallet and phone first!

Necessities

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Change of clothing for each person

• Shoes for each person

• Toilet paper

• Cash or traveler's checks & credit card

• Toothbrushes\Toothpaste

• Clorox wipes
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes

• Cell phone charger

• Extra keys for your home and vehicle

• Manual can opener
• Battery powered radio or television

• Whistle to signal for help
• Several blankets or sleeping bags
• Personal hygiene items

• Garbage bags

• Prescription medications

• Matches in a waterproof container

• Tool kit
• Local maps

• Paper plates, cups, utensils

• Soap

• Bug spray

• Sunscreen

• Towels

• Tarp

• Light sticks

• Hand warmers

• Wrench to turn off utilities

Food/Water

• One gallon of water, per person/per day (3 days worth)

• High energy foods (granola bars, peanut butter
• Canned food items and non-perishable treats

• Leash
• Pet first aid kit
• Medical records / proof of vaccination

• Bowls

• Treats

• Food (3 days worth)

• Water
• Prescription medicine

• Spare collar and ID tag

• Photos of your pet

• Favorite toy

• List of pet friendly hotels/ boarding facilities
• Carrier/ portable kennel

Critical data (waterproof container or copied onto CD or small drive - try Personal Pocket Safe

http://www.takeanyware.com/)

• Emergency phone numbers
• List of medications, allergies, and medical conditions

• Copies of health insurance and identification cards

• Photos of family and pets
• Bank account & credit card numbers

• Wills

• Insurance policies

• Mortgage/property deeds
• Passports, social security cards
• Birth, marriage certificates
• Videotaped footage of valuables in home
• Negatives of photos or backup CD's / drive
  

Emergency Plan

• Determine two places to meet in the event your home becomes unsafe--one within your neighborhood and one outside your neighborhood if you must evacuate.
• Identify at least 2 escape routes from your home.

•  Have an out-of-the-immediate-area contact that every family member can contact to provide information about their location if you get separated.

• Locate the gas main and other utilities. Make sure family members know when and how to turn them off.

• Practice your plans with the entire household. Make sure you make special plans and arrangements for children, seniors, members with disabilities or who cannot speak English, and pets.

Other sources to check:

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=72c51a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD

http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/tornadoes.html