Prepare a Disaster Kit

Disasters happen anytime and anywhere. Sadly, when an emergency happens, you may not have much time to respond. The Red Cross says that one way to prepare is by assembling an emergency kit. Once disaster hits, you won't have time to shop or search for supplies. But, if you've gathered supplies in advance, your family can endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Place the supplies you'd most likely need for an evacuation in an easy-to-carry container or bag. Make sure these supplies are in an easily accessible place and that everyone in your family knows where it is.

Water

Store a minimum of one gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation purposes. You should store a three-day supply. Store water in plastic containers.

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of ready-to-eat, canned food. Select foods that require no refrigeration or cooking, and little to no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno. Don't forget to store food and water for your pet if you have one!

First Aid Kits

You should have two: one for your home and one for the car. Both should include the following:

• sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

• assorted sizes of safety pins

• soap

• latex gloves

• sterile gauze pads of various sizes

• various sizes of bandages

• scissors

• tweezers

• needles

• moist towlettes

• antiseptic

• thermometer

Special Items

• For babies: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications

• For older adults: heart and high blood pressure medication, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eye glasses

• Entertainment: games and books

• Important family documents: Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:

*Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds

*Passports, social security cards, immunization records

*Credit card account numbers and companies

*Inventory of valuable household goods, important numbers

*Family records (birth, marriage, and death certificates)

A Few Things to Remember

• Keep items in airtight plastic bags.

• Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.

• Replace your stored food every six months.

• Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year.

• Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

*From the Fremont County Wildfire Mitigation Assessment and Action Plan