Disaster Preparedness: 5. 2 Weeks Ready

Disaster Supply Kit | References

"I'm sorry to say so
but sadly, it's true
that bang-ups
and hang-ups
can happen to you."
~ Dr Seuss

Everyone Needs To Be Prepared To Survive
For 2 Weeks On Their Own Following A Disaster.
Include The Needs Of All Household Members.

meds$$Build a disaster supply kit

  • Remember: you may need to shelter-in-place after some disasters
    with limited (or no) access to utilities, stores and services,
    e.g., wildfire, flood, several winter storms, earthquakes, ...;
    after Cascadia earthquake, outside help may be 2-3 weeks away
  • petcablesDisaster Kits should contain items needed
    for basic survival such as water, food, and first aid essentials.
  • For any items with batteries, periodically recharge or replace.
  • paperskitStore in large, sturdy container or smaller portable ones
    -- generally, in dry, cool, dark (if possible) areas,
    likely to be accessible after an earthquake, e.g.,
    garage (w/ concrete floor); outdoor shed;
    closets-- could you pry open jammed doors?
    in tsunami zone, nearby rental storage unit uphill from you?

    clothesnoaa
  • 2-Week supply of non-perishable food
    (dried fruit, canned tuna fish, peanut butter, etc.)
  • Can opener
  • Paper plates, plastic cups and utensils, paper towels
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags
    and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Water -- at least a gallon per person,
    per day for drinking and hygiene
    Purification (Flood: Sanitation)
  • First aid kit; Terri's List
  • Prescription medication and glasses
  • Sleeping bag or warm blanket for everyone in your family
  • Change of clothes to last for at least 3 days,
    including sturdy shoes; consider the weather where you live
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and other personal items
  • Feminine hygiene supplies
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
    -- non-sparking (i.e., non-ferrous) for gas
  • Other suggestions: headlamps;
    cable to charge devices from car battery / cigarette lighter;
    ...
  • Household chlorine bleach (unscented)
  • Dust mask (N95), and plastic sheeting and duct tape,
    to help filter contaminated air
  • Battery-powered or hand-cranked NOAA radio
    and extra batteries -- several: 1 for home, 1 to go?
    some walkie-talkies (FRS) may include NOAA channels;
    Be Informed: NOAA, FRS
  • Cell phone with charger, external battery pack or solar charger
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Local maps
  • Cash in small bills (ATMs may be empty or not work)
  • Emergency reference material such as first aid book
    or information from ready.gov
  • Important family documents such as copies of ID,
    insurance policies, and bank records
    in a waterproof, portable container
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Paper and pencil
  • Books, games or puzzles
  • Pet food, other supplies, and extra water for your pet
  • Share resources among neighbors (i.e., MYN),
    e.g., larger first aid kits; tools;
    campstoves / outdoor grills;
    generator & fuel (safely stored);
    share woodstove / fireplace (if no heat);
    ...

2WRReferences

Other Useful Kits: Go, Car, Under-the-Bed, Financial