WEB SITE MESSAGE

County Supervisor and Director of Emergency Management Ronald Shortt offers tips on how to assemble a disaster supply kit.

Preparedness is the key to survival, whether it's a natural disaster or terrorism.  Having a family disaster supply kit handy can aid in recovery.  The sample shopping list can be obtained in a relatively short time period.  Buy enough supplies to last at least three days.  A week's supply is ideal.

Hardware store:

-       Containers to hold the disaster supply kit (large plastic tub with lid, backpack, etc.)

-       Flashlights

-       A portable tool kit

-       A roll of duct tape

-       A utility knife

-       A tarp (to cover a leaky roof if necessary)

-       A battery operated radio

-       Batteries for flashlights and radio

Purchase or gather from existing household supply:

-       A blanket or sleeping bag for each member of the household

-       A small pillow for each

-       Towels

-       Books or games for entertainment

-       A local road map

-       A set of extra clothing and shoes for each member of the household

Grocery store:

-       Cans of meat for each member of the household (i.e., tuna, chicken, corned beef)

-       Cans of ready-to-eat soup for each

-       Cans of vegetables for each

-       Cans of fruit for each

-       A box of heavy-duty garbage bags with ties

-       A box of zip-lock food storage bags for storing important papers and small items

-       A manual can opener

Drug store:

-       A toothbrush for each member of the household

-       A large tube of toothpaste

-       A bottle of each of necessary over-the-counter and prescription medications

-       A box of sanitary wipes or liquid hand sanitizer

-       A package of sanitary napkins or tampons

-       A bottle of shampoo

-       A family size first aid kit

Grocery store: 

-       At least 3 gallons of water for each member of the household, including pets

-       Containers/boxes of quick energy snacks

-       A jar of peanut butter

-       Large cans of juice (not concentrate)

-       A package of assorted plastic utensils

-       A package of paper plates & bowls

-       Two rolls of paper towels

-       A 6-roll pack of toilet paper

If needed:

-       Purchase extra items for pets (carriers, food, leashes, toys, etc.)

-       Purchase extra items for small children

-       Purchase extra items for elderly or special needs family members (hearing aid batteries, medications, special food, etc.)

Back to Top