JUST IN CASE Disaster supply basics

WATER
Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles.
Store one gallon of water per person per day.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation and sanitation).*
Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh.
FOOD
Store at least a three-day supply of nonperishable food. Replace your stored food every six months.
Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of Sterno.
Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
UReady-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables.
UCanned juices, milk, soup.
UStaples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.).
UHigh-energy foods (peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars, trail mix).
UVitamins.
UFood for infants, elderly people or people on special diets.
UComfort foods (cookies, hard candy, instant coffee and tea bags, sweetened cereal).
TOOLS AND SUPPLIES
UMess kits, or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils.*
UEmergency preparedness manual.*
UBattery-operated radio and extra batteries.*
UFlashlight and extra batteries.*
UCash or traveler's checks, change.*
UNon-electric can opener, utility knife.*
UFire extinguisher: Small canister ABC type.
UTube tent.
UPliers.
UTape.
UCompass.
UMatches in a waterproof container.
UAluminum foil .
UPlastic storage containers.
USignal flare.
UPaper, pencil.
UNeedles, thread.
UMedicine dropper.
UShut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water.
UWhistle.
UPlastic sheeting.
UMap of the area (for locating shelters).
SANITATION
UToilet paper, towelettes.*
USoap, liquid detergent.*
UFeminine supplies.*
UPersonal hygiene items.*
UPlastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses).
UPlastic bucket with tight lid.
UDisinfectant.
UHousehold chlorine bleach.
CLOTHING AND BEDDING
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person, including:
USturdy shoes or work boots.*
URain gear.*
UBlankets or sleeping bags.*
UHat and gloves.
UThermal underwear.
USunglasses.
SPECIAL ITEMS
Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons.
For baby: formula, diapers, bottles, powdered milk, medications.
For adults: heart and blood pressure medication, insulin, prescription drugs, denture needs, contact lenses and supplies, extra eyeglasses.
ENTERTAINMENT
Games and books.
VITAL FAMILY DOCUMENTS
Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
UWill, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds.
UPassports, Social Security cards, immunization records.
UBank account numbers.
UCredit card account numbers and companies.
UInventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers.
UFamily records (birth, marriage, death certificates).
STRATEGY
URethink your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
UAsk your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.