Disaster Supply Kit

Assembling Your Disaster Supply Kit

County Supervisor and Director of Emergency Management offer 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 Items

  • Batteries for flashlights and radio
  • A battery operated radio
  • 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 tarp (to cover a leaky roof if necessary)
  • A utility knife

Purchase or Gather from Existing Household Supply

  • A blanket or sleeping bag for each member of the household
  • Books or games for entertainment
  • A local road map
  • A set of extra clothing and shoes for each member of the household
  • A small pillow for each
  • Towels

Grocery Store

  • A 6-roll pack of toilet paper
  • At least 3 gallons of water for each member of the household, including pets
  • A box of heavy-duty garbage bags with ties
  • A box of zip-lock food storage bags for storing important papers and small items
  • Cans of fruit for each
  • 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
  • Containers/boxes of quick energy snacks
  • A jar of peanut butter
  • Large cans of juice (not concentrate)
  • A manual can opener
  • A package of assorted plastic utensils
  • A package of paper plates and bowls
  • Two rolls of paper towels

Drug Store

  • A bottle of each of necessary over-the-counter and prescription medications
  • A bottle of shampoo
  • A box of sanitary wipes or liquid hand sanitizer
  • A family size first aid kit
  • A large tube of toothpaste
  • A package of sanitary napkins or tampons
  • A toothbrush for each member of the household

Miscellaneous

  • Purchase extra items for elderly or special needs family members (hearing aid batteries, medications, special food, etc.)
  • Purchase extra items for pets (carriers, food, leashes, toys, etc.)
  • Purchase extra items for small children