Being prepared is the key to survival in any disaster.

Create a plan as a family and work together to assemble a disaster kit.

Make sure that each family member knows what to do in the event of a disaster.

Knowledge replaces fear and pre-planning controls chaos.

Click on an image below to download Preparedness Guides Published by NOAA and the American Red Cross.

Emergency Preparedness Guides for Business: NIOSH Business Emergency Management Planning

You will need Adobe Reader to view the guides below. You may download the free software by going to : http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Basic Family Disaster Kit

By following the lists below you will be able to spread the cost of assembling your kit over a four week period. Make sure your kit contains enough provisions  for each family member for 3 - 4 days. This Disaster Kit is intended for families that will shelter in place at home.

If your family needs to evacuate you will need to modify your kit accordingly.

Week 1

• Containers to hold supplies; plastic totes, backpacks etc.

• Flashlights, (1 per family member)

• Toolbox with basic tools, (hammer, screwdriver, utility knife, etc.)

• Assorted nails

• Roll of Duct Tape

• Large tarp(s), (for covering roof if needed)

• Battery operated radio

• Spare batteries for flashlights and radio

• Blanket or sleeping bag and pillow for each family member

• Towels and washcloths

• Clothing for each family member, include shoes and rain gear

• Books, games, toys etc. for entertainment

• Local road map

Week 3

• Toothbrush for each family member

• Toothbrush

• Hand sanitizer

• Baby wipes or pre-moistened cleansing cloths

• Toilet paper (6 roll pack)

• Shampoo

• Bar Soap

• Feminine Hygiene products

• Basic over-the-counter medications, (pain reliever, cough/cold)

• Family First Aide Kit

• Bug Repellent

Week 2

• Canned, ready to eat meat

• Canned vegetables

• Canned fruit

• Can opener (hand operated)

• Zip-lock bags, assorted sizes

• Box of large trash bags w/ ties

• Paper plates, cups and disposable silverware

Make sure you purchase enough canned goods to

feed each family member for 3 - 4 days.

Week 4

• One gallon of water per person per day, include extra for pets

• Prepared snacks, energy bars, granola bars, raisins, nuts etc. (Make sure you seal them in zip-lock bags or plastic containers)

• Large jar of peanut butter, (great source of protein)

• Large cans of ready to drink fruit juice, not concentrated.     (Avoid glass bottles.)

• Rolls of paper towels

• Dish washing soap

• Food and formula for infants/toddlers if applicable

• Disposable diapers and wipes

• Pet food, leashes, food bowls etc.

Additional Considerations when assembling your supplies:

• Make sure you have plenty of prescription medications on hand, also have a list of medications, including dosing information, allergies to medications and Medical history printed clearly on paper and sealed in a zip-lock bag. This information should be with the individual it pertains to during a disaster, not packed in a bag that may become separated from them during an evacuation.

• All important papers, (birth certificates, financial papers etc.), should be sealed in a water proof container that can be easily carried with you in the event of an evacuation.

• All pets should have ID tags with their name as well as their owners name and contact information.