FEDERAL  EMERGENCY  MANAGEMENT AGENCY’S (FEMA)

                                   RECOMMENDED

                               BASIC DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT* 

  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Three-day supply of water—one gallon of water per person, per day
  • Portable, battery-powered radio or television and extra batteries
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Sanitation and hygiene items (moist towelettes and toilet paper)
  • Matches and waterproof container
  • Whistle
  • Extra clothing  and shoes for warm and cold weather
  • Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils, including a can opener
  • Photocopies of credit and identification cards
  • Cash and coins
  • Special needs items, such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries
  • Items for infants, such as formula, diapers, bottles, and pacifiers
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket (per person)
  • Other items to meet your unique personal and family needs

FEMA points out that maintaining the supplies in a disaster kit so they will be safe to use when needed is essential. Here are some tips to keep the supplies ready and in good condition: 

  1. Change food and water supplies every six months. Write the date you store it on all containers.
  2. Re-think your needs every year and update your kit.
  3. Keep items in airtight plastic bags and put entire kit in one or two easy to carry containers, such as an unused trashcan, camping backpack, or duffel bag.  
 

*Based on material in Are You Ready?: An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness, FEMA, 2004